photo by Athena Kokoronis
Hannah Krafcik and I are currently working on a multi-year performance project called The Swirl (working title). This work takes optical illusions as a conceptual line of inquiry, where "optics" do not simply refer to the function of sight, but rather to how something is perceived in many senses. Within this work we seek to condition our bodyminds to an infinitude of shifting vantages, playing with the ways that multiple meanings hide in plain view.
In many ways The Swirl is a reaction to the superimposed binaries and/or categories that hem us in. Binary options for political alignment—with one ideology and against another—preclude individual capacity to take in the complexity and nuance that might blur personal conviction. Through The Swirl, we are working with the notion of two bodies as a "set" (distinct entities with similarities and differences) rather than a binary or categorizable pair. In a set, qualities can converge and diverge, and differences can be present without existing in direct contrast. We think the paradigm of swirling sets that converge and diverge is a useful framing that can help disrupt the social violence that often accompanies imposed binaries and categories.
We are specifically seeking funds to support a 20-minute iteration of this work presented by Velocity Dance Center. All donations made to our project through Velocity will be tax-deductible thanks to their generous fiscal sponsorship program.
HOW TO DONATE: You can make a contribution via Velocity's online portal here and be sure to write "The Swirl" in the field that says "Donation Note (Optional)" so that your funds go directly to our project. If you prefer to send a check to Velocity, please add "The Swirl" in the memo line.
Funds will support:
Commissioning two amazing artists, Ralph Pugay and Juniana Lanning: Ralph will create portraits of us that we will animate and use as video projections for our performance. Juniana will compose the sound score for this work. We can't wait to share the outcomes of this collaboration with our community!
Studio time, rented from beloved spaces in Portland including Performance Works NW and New Expressive Works.
And, last but not least, funds to pay for our labor on this project and travel to and from Seattle.
Upcoming
Next Fest NW: Total Chaos, DEC 6-7 + 12-14 in Seattle
Hannah and I will share a 20-minute iteration of The Swirl alongside two other artists work in Next Fest NW: Total Chaos presented by Velocity.
Past
Berm is a contemporary arts magazine based out of Portland, OR. Hannah and I share some of our thoughts in relation to The Swirl in the forthcoming issue. purchase here.
Reclaiming Artistic Research with Lucy Cotter
Book Launch and Performance at Stelo Arts April 27th, 2024 / 4PM-6PM
Lucy Cotter will launch the expanded second edition of her book Reclaiming Artistic Research. At this event Hannah and I will enact DISTANCE RITUALS, a collaborative project by one of the book’s new artist contributors, Yo-Yo Lin (with Yidan Zeng). Additionally, Hannah and I will perform the first public iteration of The Swirl.