Bodies of Discovery Launches this Weekend
The first activation, Jasmine Hearn: A Patient Practice, takes place this Sunday, Aug 8 at 2 PM at Occidental Square. See below for details!
NAOMI FISHER: THERMODYNAMIC FLOWER
AUG 21, 2021 - NOV 2021
Occidental Square (Seattle)
Presented by the Henry Art Gallery
For Thermodynamic Flower, Naomi Fisher (b. 1976, Miami, Florida) drives at the tensions between nature and capitalist dynamics via feminist theories and strategies based on surrealist art. Created specifically for this public space, her thermodynamic sculptures made from galvanized steel invites participation. Solar thermal glass tubes arranged in a sunburst formation collect heat, which is then transferred to a flower shape painted with temperature sensitive paint. The sculpture transforms from black to red, illustrating metaphorically the sun’s psychological and emotional effects, as well as the literal transformation of solar radiation into heat via green technology. Mirrored surfaces of the leaf-shaped elements reflect the viewers and surroundings, enfolding the audience into the piece itself.
Related programs include a choreographed event with dancer Elizabeth Hart, Fisher’s long-time collaborator, on Sep 18 and an outdoor screening of the film Concrete Flowers (2019) on Sep 25.
Partner Programs
JASMINE HEARN: A PATIENT PRACTICE
Performance: AUG 8 & 14, 2 PM
Occidental Square (Seattle)
Presented by Velocity Dance Center
Jasmine Hearn: A Patient Practice is a map of multidisciplinary conversations practiced and performed around the country by artist Jasmine Hearn with Hearn's mentors and teachers. It celebrates their connections through the creation of what Hearn calls “choreographic and sonic maps". In Seattle, Hearn will work with Seattle-based artist Dani Tirrell as they reference the lessons and memories that they share together. Learn more.
UTOPIA:space
VLADIMIR KREMENOVIĆ
Public Performances: AUG 21 & 22, 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Open Rehearsals: Check here for information.
Freeway Park (Seattle)
Presented by Freeway Park Association, produced by Velocity Dance Center
UTOPIA: space is a durational, site-responsive performance by Vladimir Kremenović set in Freeway Park, the first freeway lid project in the United States. It celebrates the work of Angela Danadjieva, the immigrant woman who designed the Park’s renowned landscapes. UTOPIA: space activates Freeway Park by transforming it into an evolving art-making hub, with two months of open rehearsals, visual installations, and free performances. Featuring choreography by CommonForm and design intervention by VIA Architecture, the project brings us together to steward our communal reemergence from isolation and rediscovery of public life. Learn more.
DEGENERATE ART ENSEMBLE: THE GATHERER OF SPRING
Performance: OCT 2021
Occidental Square (Seattle)
Presented by On the Boards
Seattle-based Degenerate Art Ensemble brings a performance that is part of the company’s current work-in-development. The piece explores animism and the connections and disconnects between human beings and the natural world. The work combines visceral movement, sculptural costume, site-transforming video projection, and live music. It will be performed by director/dancer Haruko Crow Nishimura, composer/musician Joshua Kohl, and video artist Leo Mayberry, with costumes by Wyly Astley.
Naomi Fisher: Concrete Flowers is organized by Shamim M. Momin, Director of Curatorial Affairs, as part of Bodies of Discovery, a collaborative exhibition organized by the Henry Art Gallery, On the Boards, and Velocity Dance Center, and supported by the Metropolitan Improvement District. The exhibition is presented in conjunction with Murmurations, a Seattle-wide arts collaboration featuring a series of exhibitions, performances, screenings, community conversations, artist talks, and other programs co-developed between cultural organizations.
Images: Naomi Fisher, Study for Thermodynamic Flower, 2021. Courtesy of the artist. Jasmine Hearn, Durational Performance at Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA. Photo: Kitoko Chargois. UTOPIA:space. Courtesy of the artist and Velocity Dance Center. Degenerate Art Ensemble. Photo: Bruce Clayton.
For image and interview requests, please email press@henryart.org.
ABOUT THE HENRY
The Henry Art Gallery is internationally recognized for bold and challenging exhibitions, for being the first to premiere new works by established and emerging artists, and for highlighting contemporary art practice through a roster of multidisciplinary programs. Containing more than 27,000 works of art, the museum’s permanent collection is a significant cultural resource available to scholars, researchers, and the general public. The Henry is located on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, Washington. More at henryart.org.
ABOUT ON THE BOARDS
On the Boards fulfills its mission by supporting artists from the Northwest and beyond through new commissions and existing work presented online and in person. We provide local artists with residencies that include rehearsal space, development support, project management, dramaturgical and curatorial feedback, and advocacy to create new and exciting projects. OtB’s publishing platform, OntheBoards.tv, is a one-of-its-kind portal that features HD performance films and contextual educational material to deepen audiences’ understanding of the field of contemporary performance. More at ontheboards.org.
ABOUT VELOCITY
Velocity is Seattle’s center dedicated to contemporary dance, and an essential incubator for new dance in our region. With artist-driven, community-responsive programming, Velocity provides vital resources and advocacy for one of the most active dance communities in the nation. Velocity’s programming includes classes, workshops, residencies, performances, discussions, and two annual international festivals. More at velocitydance.org