Projects - Surface

Introducing work by Artists:

Joanna Geldard

Walt Shaw

A study in movement and memory….

afternature

Projects

The work is a fusion of contemporary dance and experimental percussion/ electronica and involves improvisation within a highly formulated structure in a visual arts setting.

Although Walt and Joanna have on occasions previously worked together, they have been predominantly working separately on a number of successful cross disciplinary projects in the last few years (see curriculum vitae). They have discovered a rich overlapping of philosophy, preoccupations, methodology and above all are both very qualified to integrate different diverse genres. In this work they have brought their experience to bear in the creation of a unique and compelling work.

Joanna and Walt come from a visual art practice in addition to their professional background in contemporary dance and sound sculpture/ experimental music. Both share the view that there is no essential dichotomy between these art forms, and even go as far as to say they view their diverse practice as a unity.

They both have a profound commitment to this holistic approach an integration of cross boundary work.

This new work encapsulates this notion of integration in terms of installation, choreography, sound etc.

The project springs from a notion of surface with suggestions of four aspects: biological connotations (skin, membrane, decay etc), sensuality (visual and tactile), the illusory nature of surface, and surface as interface between form and space.

The piece revolves around a set with an audience in the round which enables the viewer to experience the work in an informal and intimate way. In this way the audience/viewer will be able to appreciate the work from a more empathetic viewpoint and be able to draw upon varying perceptions by which to access the work. The work ranges between extremes of great subtlety and raw, even visceral expression. The set comprises of suspended Perspex panels that are imbued with translucent imagery of natural and artificial surface. The versatility of a planned lighting structure allows for transient reflection effects.

The ephemeral and fluid nature of the piece is indeed metaphorically reflected as well as physically reflected in the shifting forces within the work between set, dancer and musician.

2005-2007

Surface