Terms of Endearment”
Johan Thom
Single Channel Video loop
Duration: 4min49sec
Preview available on www.youtube.com/thomjohan
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The Omo Mailbag
Freepost Address
Kwazulu Natal
Durban
South Africa
4000

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have had a ‘great experience’ with OMO Multi Active washing powder. Please find enclosed a short DVD (4min39sec) detailing this wonderful encounter.

For ever so long I have felt dirty and dejected. My thoughts have constantly veered to the dark side – swearing like a trooper, having outrageous sexual fantasies, desiring the overthrow of the establishment and generally thinking about death. But no longer. I have thoroughly cleansed myself with your product. I must say though that it tastes awful though (fortunately I had some Champagne on hand to wash away the aftertaste and to celebrate my newfound lease on life). Now my life seems worthwhile, and I have an added spring in my step. Wherever I go people can notice the difference.

However, should say that the OMO Toll-free Helpline wasn’t helpful at all. But I guess that is the wonder of our brave new world. We can help ourselves. Thus after carefully following your instructions for use in a frontloading machine, I decided that, for such severe filth as pervades my being, one scoop simply wouldn’t do. I am happy to report that a whole 1kg box seems to have done the trick (for now anyway).

Rest assured that I am not an idiot or a madman: I know that this product is meant for use in a machine! But after having read so much contemporary philosophy and socio-political theory I cannot help but experience my body as a mechanical gadget simply in service of the state, capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism and god knows what or who else.

So as long as I keep on having dirty thoughts I am going to keep loading my machine with your product! I am really committed to being a well-adapted, fully functional citizen.

If you ever need anyone to testify to the power of OMO washing powder, know that I am your man.

Yours truly

Johan Thom

Labels: Johan thom, south african artist, video art