On Saturday, a performance by the artist known as Aphex Redditor captured widespread attention on social media. The event featured her lying down while scrolling through Instagram Reels for a continuous 24 hours. However, as the performance gained traction on platforms like Instagram and X, fellow artist Qualeasha Wood claimed that her work had been replicated.
Wood previously showcased a performance titled Attention Economy in March 2025 at London's Pippy Houldsworth Gallery. This exhibition explicitly referenced the concept of "bed rotting," which describes the act of spending extended periods in bed without engaging in activities. Accompanying her performance was a screen displaying a feed from Wood's phone. She later revisited this concept in September at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Wood's original performance featured tapestries that layered images of her, reminiscent of the way visuals are often overlaid in digital formats. These tapestries have garnered significant acclaim, with one featured on the cover of Art in America and acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In contrast, Aphex Redditor's performance, titled BedRot, unfolded at Eastern Bloc, an art center in Montreal. Similar to Wood's presentation, her performance included a screen showing her scrolling through Instagram Reels. The event sparked considerable interest online, with one post stating, "I am the only person watching her bed rot on reels in this art gallery at 2AM," which received over 66,000 likes. Wood responded with a touch of irony, saying, "Oh I love seeing my work copied word for word bar for bar."
On Instagram, Wood expressed her thoughts on the situation, highlighting the disparity in recognition for Black artists compared to their white counterparts. She noted, "Idk yalllllllllll there's just something about when yall (collective) see a Black Woman doing something you dismiss it but when you see the exact same thing happening but in pale skin it becomes romanticized. Viral."
In response to inquiries, Aphex Redditor clarified that she was unaware of Wood's work before her performance, stating that she had been developing her concept since December 2024. She emphasized her interest in social media algorithms and the internet culture, which was central to her artistic expression.
As the conversation surrounding these performances continues, it underscores the dynamic nature of art and the dialogues it can inspire. The impact of such discussions may pave the way for a more inclusive recognition of diverse artistic expressions in the future.
