A Piece on Theory of Mind

Tehching Hsieh (b. 1950)
One Year Performance, No. 2 (1980-1981)






The performance artist, Tehching Hsieh (b. 1950), during the late 70s and early 80s, embarked to experience art in its most extreme. Beginning with a piece for which he lived outside for a year, the artist theoretically tethered himself to his studio, by agreeing to punch a time clock every hour, on the hour, for a year.



If we think of what this would entail, to actually consider the logistics of the piece, it grows ever more impressive in its scope. How many times do we run a quick errand that take longer than expected? How many meals do we eat out with friends? How many times do we visit family out of town? How many movies do we see?

It's the voluntary denial of these simple pleasures that makes this piece resonate, even today. The dedication is the art.

Theory of Mind is an intriguing aspect of this piece. You must put yourself in this person's shoes to "get it." What was he thinking? How difficult was it for him to make these sacrifices? What would it feel like to wake up to punch the clock every hour? What sorts of stress were self-induced? So many aspects of the piece, which are not evident in the video record but nonetheless a significant part of the work, could be lost if one is challenged by issues concerning Theory of Mind.

What are the implications in this work for those on the spectrum? What can I, as a neurotypical, learn from these implications? Does it strengthen or diminish the power of the piece?