| It's
been shown that yawning increases alertness, reduces stress and
enhances personal, community and planetary health. We yawn to cool the
brain; we act to cool the Earth. It's mysterious, without definitive
explanation. Is it a herd instinct, synchronizing mood behavior among
gregarious animals? Adelie Penguins employ yawning in their courtship
rituals. It feels good, although often embarrassing. It is an
essential, human, crosses cultural activity that can be liberating,
re-energizing, sometimes producing feelings of vulnerability.
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| GLOBAL YAWNING for
a Small Planet is also a study in human portraiture, and the shunned
expression of yawning. The two-channel, side by side videos show the
subtle, distinct expressions of the participants and the artist
himself, flanked by large format photos of his yawning image. |
| With a humorous play on words and juxtaposition of ideas, we human beings, with all our vulnerabilities, become active participants for a healthy planet. The artist traveled the East Coast videotaping yawners, and worked with Boston Asian YES, Ellis Memorial, United South End Settlements and Cambridge School of Weston.
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movie stills
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"Stock Page" global yawning photo series (5' x 7.5')
"Cracked Earth" global yawning photo series (5' x 7.5")