A Hong Kong educational psychologist has been crowned the winner of the Space-Out competition, a contest that challenges participants to do nothing for 90 minutes. The event, held in a busy mall in Hong Kong last October, involved sitting still without sleeping, making noise, or checking phones.
The competition was founded in 2014 by Korean artist Woopsyang as a performance-art piece to highlight societal pressure to be constantly productive. It has since been held several times a year around the world. About 100 participants took part in the Hong Kong edition, each seated on a yoga mat.
After 90 minutes, spectators voted for the final 10 participants based on their expressions and statements. The winner was determined by the steadiest heart rate, measured every 15 minutes. The educational psychologist, who practices mindfulness, said she focused on her breath and the sensations of the breeze to stay calm.
The winner said she found the experience enjoyable and a luxury in her busy life as a working mother of two. She sees the trophy, a model of Rodin's The Thinker, as a reminder to take time for oneself and that productivity is not always the most important thing.
