Pillowlando MMXI
Pillowlando MMXI
April 2, 2011
Orange Avenue and South Street, Orlando Florida
Brian Feldman Productions</strong>
War is bad for children and other living things, but pillow fighting is a whole ‘nother deal. Brian Feldman returns with another battle of the fluffy cushions, this time at the site of the perhaps soon-to-be Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. Whatever eventually crosses that stage, today’s event was as much performance art as anything the mayor’s pet project might offer this town. A half hour before the starting whistle, a dozen or so photographers arrived and vigorously interviewed anyone who walked up with a pillow. As the clocked ticked up to the 5 pm hour, more and more fighters arrived – some in PJ’s, more than a few in their Sexy Kitty Halloween outfits, and a few in custom spray painted tee shirts. The crowd talked trash, cooed at babies, and fluffed their down filled armaments. Promptly at five, Feldman strode up in his long white coat, toting a gallon of water and a football whistle.
“Battle of the comfy cushions!”
Following the Geneva Convention on Unconventional Warfare, Feldman announced the rules of engagement: No hitting cameramen, no hitting glasses wearers in the head, and no feather pillows – this is Orlando, and we have ordinances about that sort of things. He blew his whistle, a battle cry went up. We fought. Brother hit sister, mother hit child, artist hit writer. Rallies formed, defensive positions were obliterated, and everyone who hit me said “Excuse me – my bad.” It was hot, and as the more vigorous fighters worked up a sweat, some of the cleaner fighters faded off – no point in having to dry clean a tee shirt or pillow.
After a half hour of silliness, the fight stopped, warrior tossed pillows high in the sky, and we formed a loose line for a group photo with that round 1960’s bank building in the background. While it’s one of the classic Populuxe structures in town, it’s slated for demolition. As a formal policy, Orlando demolishes all important building about 2 years before we notice how cool they were. But these are the decisions the masses are not involved in, and like ants, we fought for no discernable reason and retired to the Yum Yum cupcake truck for refreshments. At least on our level, war can be fun and darned good aerobic exercise.
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