Amelia, a local puppeteer, captured the top prize at Melbourne’s inaugural Space Out competition, a unique event that emphasizes relaxation and mindfulness. The competition is held as part of the city’s winter Rising Festival. Participants have to try to keep their heart rates as low as possible for the full 90 minutes! Amelia as a running fountain, with costume that included water cascading from a spout above her head. At 85 years old, her passion for her craft was evident from her enthusiastic and riveting performance. She marked the occasion by dedicating the fountain of her grandmother’s garden.
On a chilly Melbourne day, Amelia jumped in and remained under water for more than 90 minutes. This challenge proved her perseverance and her winning formula for victory. Participants had their heart rate response monitored by medical professionals every 15 minutes throughout the contest. Amelia’s approach was to picture herself as a sea sponge, helping her stay cool and collected during the task and beyond.
The Space Out competition was initiated by South Korean artist Woopsyang as an intervention into the phenomenon of burnout and exhaustion endemic to contemporary life. It’s raised the visibility internationally by having it in cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Now, it’s on an international tour, and this week, it’s making its Australian debut in Melbourne! Woopsyang talked about how much she loved the Melbourne event, how different it was, the energy of the city.
“Sometimes doing nothing can be the most powerful and valuable act,” – Woopsyang
From yoga instructors to a meditation researcher, the event brought together a rich tapestry of relaxing experts, each with their own twist on how to chill. As one workshop attendee jokingly declared herself a “full-time couch programmer,” she focused on the irony of participating in an event that encourages a state of stillness. Another participant mentioned, “ADHD sisters about to enter their mind palace,” showcasing the varying approaches individuals take toward mindfulness.
For Amelia, her new role as a fountain really tied back into her philosophy about taking it easy. She explained, “I chose to do a puppet that uses water as I think it is the laziest of all elements. It always finds the path of least resistance.” This nugget of wisdom is a testament to her deep wisdom around the need to cultivate beauty and calm in a chaotic world.
The competition was full of notable competitors, including Tiggolo, a retired seeing-eye dog who won third place. The variety of competitors highlighted the event’s inclusive nature and its appeal to those seeking respite from their hectic lives. Parents at the competition were grateful to have an environment where their kids could interact with artistry and serenity. One parent noted, “90 minutes of quiet dress ups and keeping kids entertained.”
Amelia’s victory was widely cheered by her competitors at the event and advocates on the hill. In her winner’s speech she talked about the opportunity she had to listen, and she dedicated her victory to all of you in the room.
“It’s where she likes to sit and experience serenity. [I dedicate this] to everyone here as well; we are all fountains from when we wake up and take a shower until, well, when we next take a shower,” – Amelia
The Space Out competition’s focus on heart rate management and relaxation served as a reminder of the pressures many face in today’s fast-paced world. Woopsyang noted that despite being a city with a relaxed pace of living like Melbourne, the South Korean people cannot escape the daily grind overloading them.
“Normally Asians think that Western people are very chilled and relaxed, have their nice lifestyle, but then when I came to Melbourne a few days ago and saw people coming and going and rushing, I figured out even in Melbourne, life is so busy and everyone is very overwhelmed,” – Woopsyang
