Induction Ceremony is a performance that activates Rudy Shepherd’s Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber sculpture, currently on view on the lawn of the Belk Visual Arts Center. To activate the work—turning on its healing powers, its ability to absorb negativity from the viewers—Shepherd will inhabit a character he refers to the Healer, moving through the space interacting with the sculpture and bringing to life the emotions of this moment. The performance provides an opportunity for the audience to collectively release all the fear and worry we are holding about what is going on in the world so that we can move beyond it and find the space, energy, and courage to go out in the world and do what we can to help. The performance includes improvised music by Elia Einhorn (keyboard), Marcus Braithewaite (keyboard and drums), Mark Dixon (bass), Will Spach (guitar) and Shepherd (theremin, keys, midi controller, analog synthesizers and other noise making devices).

Exhibition and related programs made possible through the support of Bacca Foundation Visiting Scholar and Artist Program, Public Lectures Committee, and the McGaw Lecture Fund.