'Art/Life: One Year Performance (Rope Piece)' represents a struggle in what aspect of human connection?

The performance "Art/Life: One Year Performance (Rope Piece)" by Tehching Hsieh involves a unique exploration of physical interaction, as it features the artist being tied to another individual with a rope for an entire year. This act creates a literal and figurative connection between the two individuals, emphasizing the challenges and complexities that arise from maintaining close physical proximity and the limitations it imposes on freedom of movement.

Physical interaction in this context becomes a medium to explore themes of dependency, confinement, and the intricacies of living closely with another person. The struggle that emerges from being tethered to a fellow human for an extended period pushes the boundaries of personal space and autonomy, raising questions about relationships, intimacy, and the nature of human connection. This emphasizes the performance's focus on the corporeal experience of being in the presence of another and the dynamics that unfold when such boundaries are explored.

While emotional communication, intellectual dialogue, and social interaction are significant aspects of human connection, they are not the central focus of this specific performance piece. Instead, it is the unique physical relationship established through the rope that acts as a critical lens for understanding the nuances of human connection in a confined and prolonged context.