South Korean artist Woopsyang challenges Melburnians to embrace collective stillness with Space-Out Competition, a contest rewarding those who can do absolutely nothing.
In a world that glorifies productivity, Space-Out offers relief from burnout culture. Participants sit for 90 minutes, maintaining perfect calm without sleeping, laughing or using technology – all while spectators and commentators watch the glorious nothingness unfold.
The competition began in 2014 when Woopsyang created it as a response to her own burnout. It’s since gone viral, touring work-obsessed cities including Taipei, Rotterdam, Hong Kong and Tokyo before making its Australian debut at RISING.
Space-Out Competition
- Mon 9 June
- QV Melbourne
- Free
- 90 minutes
- Wheelchair Accessible
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The rules are refreshingly straightforward. Seventy teams (of up to three people) wear attire related to their professions, symbolising a mini-city. The competition judges participants on both artistic merit and the technical achievement of maintaining the steadiest heartrate.
2024 Hong Kong champion Denis Kwan Hong-Wang, an educational psychologist renowned for his “deep vacancy,” will be present to hand over trophies to this year’s winners. The Melbourne victors will continue the tradition, travelling to the next international competition to present awards to future champions.
Space-Out is part of Woopsyang’s Urban Play Development Project, which explores ways to enjoy city life without succumbing to consumerism. The artist has created a counter-cultural moment that challenges our addiction to productivity and constant stimulation.
Live sports commentary keeps spectators informed of the (non)developments, creating a bizarrely compelling spectacle around the art of doing absolutely nothing. The competition transforms inaction into achievement, celebrating those who can most effectively empty their minds of the mental to-do lists that typically dominate our consciousness.
Anyone can apply to compete, though only seventy teams will be selected. While it’s free to both watch and participate, competitors must apply through the official form to secure their place in this celebration of collective withdrawal from the rat race.
For more information, head here.
