Art in the Age of Movement

Totality means that each component – the space in which we move, the set, lighting, movements, music/sound, costume, projections – influences the direction of the created art, and is, in turn affected by it. The components therein cease to be separate, but unite in a totality, a new organic whole.  Of course, it’s one thing to say, and quite another to achieve.  The test is to take time to explore, challenge, clarify the work for oneself and with one’s collaborators.  And, to be able to work simultaneously with both the big idea and the detail.

Oh yes, they are two quotes by Oskar Schlemmer: “The history of the theater is the transfiguration of the human form with human being as the actor of physical and spiritual events, alternating between naiveté and reflection, naturalness and artificiality.” Through my work I hope to evoke a sense of the transcendent. The second quote reads: “Architecture, sculpture, painting – these are all static. [...] This might seem like a weakness, at least in the age of movement. [...] But the stage as a locus for temporal action offers movement of form and colour, first in its main configuration as mobile, coloured or colourless, linear, planar or sculptural single forms, as well as a changeable movable space and convertible architectonic structure.” This quote is a favorite because sculptural objects and costumes have long been a place of exploration for me. And, of course, movement is temporal.  It disappears as it is performed.  It only takes place in the moment in real time with real people who bring themselves to the movement.

Hmmm... Rebecca Horn's work from the 1970’s seems like a progression of Schlemmer’s work. She performed live, but also made some compelling films wearing her costumes.  Horn’s costumes are geometric, intricately crafted – simple, yet beautifully expressive extensions of the body. I think some costume works by Nick Cave reflect Schlemmer’s influence.  Many of Cave’s costumes employ color and reshape the body in ways that are reminiscent of Schlemmer.  Though very different from Schlemmer, both artists utilize the body as the starting point for transformation.