SUGA’N’TANKS
Suga’N’Tanks is a live art interactive performance that invites the audience to rub cane sugar and canola-corn-peanut oil onto Immanuel J. while they recite a mantra– hazy memories littered with embellishments.
Immanuel J. renders themself vulnerable for audience members to act on their own volition; scrub as hard, or soft or not touch J. 's flesh at all. This is all done in an effort to create a sense of connectivity through a sensory experience; activating four of five senses through smell, touch, sound, and sight.
“I heard sugar scrubs are good for removing dead skin. I heard sugar is bad for your teeth. Did you know? Did you know sugar in your tank destroys your engine? Did you know? Did you know?”
The text ponders how smell can be a tool of white supremacy.
The text shows how one’s relationship with God can be both paternal and romantic.
“This is me, baby. This is me. I am one flesh with that man. I am Him. He is her. Oh God! Oh God!”
Immanuel J. renders themself vulnerable for audience members to act on their own volition; scrub as hard, or soft or not touch J. 's flesh at all. This is all done in an effort to create a sense of connectivity through a sensory experience; activating four of five senses through smell, touch, sound, and sight.
Photos By Aya Rebai