I can't do anything

BACKGROUND
'I can't do anything' contributes to the broad field of video art and the narrow field of performative video that features untrained performers and a playful approach. The peer community includes Erwin Wurm (Austria), Candice Breitz (Canada) and Stuart Ringholt (Australia). Key characteristics of this scholarly debate include video documentation of untrained performers undertaking playful tasks. Recent exhibitions that have influenced this debate include 'Candice Breitz: The Character' at ACMI (2013) and 'Kraft' at MUMA (2014). 'I can't do anything' seeks to extend this field by incorporating a range of English and Italian speakers of varying ages into a scripted artwork. This Creative work was commissioned for 'Design & Play', an exhibition that examined play as a creative strategy within contemporary art and design.
CONTRIBUTION
This Creative work explores how untrained performers can enhance a scripted video work through their amateur acting skills and idiosyncratic approach. In other words, how can untrained performers add depth and humour to a performative video artwork? The work resembles an ambiguous screen test or interview whereby participants repeat the title phrase with varied emphasis. Dr Kosloff worked with local Prato residents and visiting art students to create a playful montage of their performances. I can't do anything investigates the psychology of a spoken statement as well as the individual performers themselves.
SIGNIFICANCE
The Creative Work was selected for the exhibition 'Design and Play' curated by Lisa Byrne and Larissa Hjorth. The exhibition featured several high profile local and international artists including Ronnie Van Hout (born NZ, Melbourne based) and Erwin Wurm (Austria). A catalogue was produced with four commissioned essays. Public artist talks and workshops were also held as part of the exhibition.