Ambivalent Mary - Intimate Performances

'Ambivalent Mary' is a series of movement works, photographs, and video that document artist Sara June's relationship with PLEO, an autonomous entity, created by INNVO labs, that is equipped with technology that aids its 'development' from hatchling to infant to juvenile based on the interactions it receives from its external environment. Through the perforamnces, June explored the infant-mother attachment relationship via complex inter-relational responses to mutual touching, cooing, cuddling, neglecting and ignoring. Concepts are based on the work of developmental psychologists Mary Ainsworth and her 'Strange Situation', and the work of experimental psychologist Harry Harlow who studied infant-mother attachment in rhesus monkeys. PLEO displays a variety of reflexive behaviors to signal attention from caregivers. It screams, cries, sings, sleeps, coos, and cuddles. When left alone, PLEO searches for warmth and nurturance.

Structured for several very small audiences, 'Ambivalent Mary' was performed between 2010 and 2012 at the Effectus Performance Art Series, MassArt, PechaKucha Boston, Mobius Artists Space, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts.