“Possessing a common logic,” is a series of discussions and collaborations between philosophers, theorists, artists, and performers with the invitation to uncover a common logic or underlying thread that connects their practices. Working toward resonances not necessarily similarities and shared ways of thinking not necessarily shared thoughts, the end result is unpredictable. This series aims to imagine new possibilities and projects through difference. It moves away from a purely critical mode of engagement, focusing, instead, on creation and construction. More here.
Drawing on themes from queer theory and responding to COVID-19, “Order of Flo” playfully dances along the lines of destiny at the intersection of bodily motion and mindful emotion. Melting the presentations of drag, queer bodies, and weird minds, “Order of Flo” trans-imagines dance, tarot, poetry, and glossolalia. The evening welcomes a co-revelation of dancers thinking, philosophers moving, and audiences emerging. Co-created with choreographer Rivkah French and philosopher Maggie Pahndeepah, the show included artists Belial, Kayla Mason, ShyLah, Urethra Burns. and Michelle Reyes.
Because of the isolation necessitated by the pandemic, many artists, writers, and performers lacked the community they typically relied upon for feedback and support. Each event in this four-part series, focused on one particular theme, including adaptability, play, surprise, and nourishment. Each participant brought a writing, experience, or art project that resonated with the theme and those were shared with the group for discussion. Chosen participants reflected disciplinary diversity and a desire for communion.
“The Political Seducer’s Diary,” an Instagram-based project in collaboration with Performance Art Houston, ran @PerformanceArtHouston. Eight artists from around the world took residence on the Instagram account and found ways in which to merge performance art, documentation and social media in order to discuss how seduction and aesthetics converge to influence decisions we make in public life. Artists looked at issues like gun control, sexual assault, consumerism, and environmentalism. More here.
Convergence Research at Blaffer Art Museum is a platform for interdisciplinary research, experimentation, improvisation, and performance. I assisted series director Melissa Noble with the selection and facilitation of Netherlands-based artist Larysa Bauge and her performance “Caritas” as part of a dual show with Ryan Holloway. This project used pieta imagery and other art historical iconography to evoke scenes of mutual nurturing, focusing on the relationship between Bauge and a long-time friend and collaborator. Video
Our Prime Property (OPP) asks artists to imagine two locations: one where a work of art can be shown and one where a work can exist in perpetuity. When asked to curate, I decided to select a series of performances knowing that location, a central idea in OPP’s project, is a fundamental and controversial component for performance art, generally. More here.
Jeanette Joy Harris 