As we learned when we were kids, in a staring contest, one cannot smile, blink or even look away. All those things are subjected to the ultimate penalty: defeat. When two bodies face each other in a Staring Contest, the tension between them is too evident. There is no place for compromise.

In this curatorial project, we ask the artistic community (and beyond) to suggest one or more objects that can be partnered up with the exhibited work.

In this fourth moment, from February 3^rd to October 6^th, a partner was sought for Ângela Ferreira’s Hotel da Praia Grande (O Estado das Coisas) (2003).

After the deliberation of the jury, this edition of Staring Contest features an object proposed by artist duo F&G, in response to the already announced work. The relationship between Hotel da Praia Grande (O Estado das Coisas) and État d’urgence (estado de emergência) seemed to the jury to be the most appropriate, taking into account the curatorial assumption, despite the quality of the various proposals submitted.

Let’s play a Staring Contest. One body facing another. They must stare at each other. 

Whoever smiles, looks away or blinks loses. 

To be still, but not motionless: the play is on as it games on lethargy. A contribution to a symmetry of intentions, broken by the asymmetry on the surface.

Daniel Madeira