Performance artist Doug Hayko, who made an appearance at the opening, also allows the viewer to reflect on the practicality of how some use cardboard in our society, as he lay covered with it on the floor throughout the opening.

Hayko was there to make us think about “Who Cares What a Man Was?” while sharing his vision of homelessness, reminding us that this material is also functional and not shying away from the conversation of those who are displaced. His “blanket” was a Kenneth Cole Reaction box while he clutched his belongings in a plastic bag. Onlookers left money and food and also vandalized his blanket.

Hayko’s chandelier reminisced the familiar setting of elephant-in-the-room meal-time muted conversation.

For some, one viewing of Tim Guthrie’s and Doug Hayko’s Extraordinary Rendition in the Underground was more than enough, so powerful was this installation’s sensory impact regardless of where you stood on the issues raised. Those who stood too close to the performance scene depicting torture were left with an indelible impression of last year’s edgiest and most provocative exhibition seen in Omaha.

Audience members later said they didn’t know whether to rush to the victim’s aid or just rush away. There was no clapping, only an audible gasp or two as viewers seemed frozen, awestruck perhaps either by the acting or what it portrayed, perhaps both. Some walked away early, unconvinced, unable to watch further or maybe disapproving of what they were witnessing on a personal or political level.

One of my favorites! There is something haunting in the exploration happening in this man's work.

The rules of PechaKucha Night Omaha 21 are outlined in the video. Special Thanks to Jackson and Matt for helping me out on this one. Enjoy! Oh, and Merry Christmas!

Thank you Tim for talking me into this one and sorry Borders Books, I knew you couldn't survive in a world gone slightly insane.

Thank you Tim Guthrie for always a good time and keeping me connected to my ability to improvise.

Feeling down, I always find that the National Institute for the Lost can help.