Jessica Hagedorn
b. 1949, Manila, Philippines
Helen Oji
b. 1950, Sacramento, CA
Peacefish artists statement, 1982
Printed matter
Peachfish #9, performance, Basement Workshop, NYC, 1983
Peachfish #12, performance, Basement Workshop, NYC, 1983
Color photograph
Courtesy the artists

Writer-performer: Jessica Hagedorn
Visual artist (set design / cameo): Helen Oji
Choreographer performer: Ching Valdes-Aran
Actress-performer: Laurie Carlos
Hair & make-up: Luis Burgos
Photograph of performance by Alan Kikuchi

Peacefish was the collaborative effort of a coalitional and multiracial group of women artists. Written by Jessica Hagedorn, Peacefish was described as a red performance piece exploring the sensual and mysterious elements of women. Intended to celebrate partnerships between artists, Peacefish was directed by actress and choreographer Ching Valdes-Aran. Laurie Carlos, Hagedorn’s frequent collaborator, also acted in the performance. After seeing Helen Oji’s kimono installations, Hagedorn recruited Oji to participate as set designer and actress. Though it operated on a minimal budget of roughly $9,600, Peacefish is indicative of innovative and collaborative performance art pioneered by women of color during this time.