Mat Hand presents: Zen & The Art Of Breaking World Records

These are my friends Leif Alexis and Mat Hand playing Ping Pong (tischtennis). For more than 5 hours. Non-Stop. Without letting the ball drop. Once.

The performance took place over 2 days and the existing world record was broken on the 16th attempt. Mat is an Artistic Serial World Record Breaker. Or.. let's say, that's what I would call him. He holds the following world records:

LONGEST TABLE TENNIS RALLY
TALLEST SUGAR CUBE TOWER
MOST SWEETCORN KERNELS EATEN IN 3 MINUTES WITH A COCKTAIL STICK
MOST PEAS EATEN WITH A COCKTAIL STICK IN 3 MINUTES
MOST GRAPES EATEN WITH A PLASTIC SPOON IN 3 MINUTES
MOST BEER MATS FLIPPED & CAUGHT

His shows allow the audience to investigate the lengthy processes, the rules and strict guidelines that are stipulated by Guinness World Records© as well as offering the chance to experience World Record breaking in a controlled and stylised environment. In trying to find a place for non-theatrical actions within a performative space he presents these unpredictable live moments which ebb and flow with repeated failure and fleeting success.










World Record Breaking Performances encourage debate regarding the importance of the live experience and the role of Live Art documentation. Witnessing and evidence play an integral and dual role insofar as they are required by Guinness World Records© and therefore must be adhered to strictly during the performances. It is through these events that Mat Hand aims to explore his own relationship with the compulsion to make a mark, the cultural position and function of World Records and the possibilities for their artistic re-representation/interpretation through Live Art and installation.

Matt also attempted the following World Records - but failed. You can't win if you don't try.

BIGGEST BUBBLE GUM BUBBLE BLOWN
MOST CREAM CRACKERS EATEN IN 3 MINUTES
MOST SWEETCORN KERNELS EATEN IN 3 MINUTES WITH A COCKTAIL STICK

These are his future performances:
Longest Karaoke
Coin Spinning
Motionlessness
Loudest Scream
Longest Non-Stop
Peanut Throwing
Clapping Marathon
Loudest Clap