Trans Boxing Conceptual Exercises, by Nola Hanson

Posted on Wednesday, May 6th, 2020

Extreme close up photo of the inside of a boxing glove with red and blue fabric and laces.

In response to the current global pandemic and nationwide shutdown, Trans Boxing has adapted their work in exploratory ways. In addition to moving their weekly classes to a virtual platform, Engaging Artists Resident Nola Hanson is developing an offshoot project, titled Trans Boxing Conceptual Exercises. The project invites participants to follow instructions and submit documentation of completed exercises which formalize the rituals of boxing training. The parameters of the work re-claim the day-to-experiences of the boxer and position them as conceptual artworks in and of themselves. 

Sample Exercises + Instructions:

1. Make a Motion Study. 

Make a video of yourself (10-20 seconds or so) throwing the following combination: 1-1-2-3-2-3. (1=jab, 2=cross, 3=hook). The video does not have to include your face, or even your hands, but some part of your body should be included in the shot. Collect 2-6 stills from the video that you find compelling, or interesting. Arrange them in any sequence you’d like. 

2. Take a Picture of the Inside of Your Glove. 

Take picture of the inside of your glove. The shot should only include the interior of the glove, and should not reveal any other objects or body parts.

3.   Take an Epsom Salt Bath.

After a workout, take a bath with Epsom salt. If you have a fan in your bathroom, turn it off so that the room can fill with steam. The bathwater should be hot. As the tub is filling up, pour in 4-5 pounds of Epsom salt. Run your hand through the water to break up any clumps and to make sure the salt has fully dissolved. After you’re done with your bath, and before your drain the tub, take a photograph. 

IMAGE: Take a Picture of the Inside of Your Glove, Liv Adler, Brooklyn, NY.