Herring’s performances encompass ritualistic elements from various cultures – borrowing ideas from the sadhus, the Hindu holy men of India, and the stylites or pillar-saints, the Christian ascetics in the early days of the Byzantine Empire (in modern day Turkey) who lived on pillars, preaching, fasting and praying. Herring plays with the characteristics of asceticism, the practice of abstinence or restraint. He often puts himself into situations that test the body’s endurance or place restrictions on his movements or are physically isolating. Within these solitary tasks, Herring finds himself in a mindset that by contrast to his gruelling actions, furthers his personal understanding of freedom.
In allowing these acts to be viewed Herring hopes to evoke feelings, or awaken memories within viewers of their own everyday struggles to maintain their individual freedom in what often seems an increasingly regimented and confining world.
Stu Herring is pleased to announce his latest performance Spiritual Horn, which will be featured as part of the late shows at Newcastle cathedral on the 20th May 2017.
Inspired support Stu Herring is currently Director of art For Inspired Support, where he is working with young adults with autism helping them achieve their artistic aspirations.
