KRISTEN HAMLING: Slide show welcome return to reality

Kristen Hamling Photo/File

LAST Friday night I learned that goat wee keeps ants away; an effective decision-making strategy involves tossing a coin or rolling a dice; and a piece of artwork can actually be a socially constructed persona.

I learnt these things in an unconventional way, at an event that I can only describe as a "liquorice allsorts" of entertainment. The night involved 14 people sharing a range of intimate, entertaining and - at times - bizarre stories at the Sarjeant Gallery for an evening of Pecha Kucha.

If Pecha Kucha sounds like a cute pet name or an exotic fruit, then think again. I have recently learnt that Pecha Kucha means "chit chat" in Japanese, and a Pecha Kucha event involves the presenters talking to 20 slides for just 20 seconds per slide.

Pecha Kucha events seem to be taking over the world, with regular events happening in over 800 cities. I think the appeal is the fast-paced nature of the presentation. The slide show starts and presenters only have 20 seconds for each slide to get their point across. Presenters have to keep pace with the slides to convey their story.

The other appeal of Pecha Kucha is that it gives you a glimpse into other people's lives and, for a moment, you get to experience the world through their eyes. Unfortunately, the image of goat's testicles will never ever leave my memory, but thankfully nor will the photos of the amazing rock climbers or the gorgeous human artwork known as Jenda.

Perhaps the popularity of these events reflects our growing desire to reconnect with other people.

Perhaps we are getting sick of sitting at home voyeuristically watching the contrived reality created by the media; perhaps we are craving human connection with real people who live among us; perhaps it is the intimacy of Pecha Kucha that helps us to engage with people in a more honest and meaningful way.

I think these evenings offer more truth and reality than what is portrayed in the media, because it comes straight from the person. No editing, no smokescreens - real people telling real stories to a real audience.

There may be mistakes, there may be impromptu moments, and some presenters are more polished than others. But Pecha Kucha is real, honest, authentic and meaningful.

There is so much to be gained from a night of Pecha Kucha that we should encourage more events like these.

Well done, Wanganui - can't wait for the next chit chat.