Youtube Video- The Paintball Project Day 19

The video begins with a close up on Bilal's face, illuminated by a camera light in a seemingly dark space. He said he "was afraid to go to sleep because he started getting up without realising the gun was above his head". As a result he decided to tie himself to the bed with some rope so that he can not get up and unconsciously get in the gun's line of fire.

He rubs his eyes as he descends into the basement, to retrieve some rope. As he searches the basement the camera points at his chest and shoulder and we can see the black paintball armour vest that he always wears. He holds up lengths of blue and yellow nylon straps. He ascends the stairs, with the camera gyrating as he reenters the room with the paintball gun


He says "This is what i miss the most, just the simple act of going to bed. It becomes very hard when someone is always aiming at you".Bilal then tries to go to bed by tying himself to his bed. The room Bilal is still illuminated, unlike the rest of the gallery. The camera again gyrates as he

A paintball shot cracks and Bilal jumps witha gasp. He explains he has tied the first strap, and is now tying the second one. The camera comes to rest on the floor, showing a pool of paint collecting across the floor, underneath the bed. Bilal picks up the camera and says "this is the rope- it is not perfect" but goes on to say it will keep me from arising unawares of the gun. He lies back, adjusts his armour and goggles then says good night. The video ends.


I find it difficult the describe it as the performance space, as it is a simulation of his living room, a gallery space, and this is merely part of where the performance takes place, as it effectively includes(or could be considered to) also in homes offices and whereever there is an internet connection that has connected to his server. His technician, for example, describes shooting at him via a mobile phone(and feeling badly about it immediately afterwards) while chatting about the project in a bar(Bilal & Lyderson p.TK)