I’m currently engaged in a year long practice-based research project alongside Daniella Valz Gen and Laura Burns exploring how somatic, performance art practices can contribute to paradigm shifts in our understanding of how nature & wild spaces affect neuroqueer humans. The works shine light on the significance of rural, site-specific modes of production for neuroqueer artists and invites us to reflect on our relationship & co-dependency with nature. Each artist will produce new AV work that sits between the realms of expanded documentary and performance-to-camera.  

As an extension of this I am also developing a new durational performance work which using rock climbing & bouldering practices to create a durational performance piece. 

​

The sculpture will include custom made ‘bouldering holds’ (produced by  ceramicist Holly Chad), ropes & rocks. Each bouldering hold will have a sensor pad, which when touched (by me holding on and/or pushing toes or hands against it) will activate a sound/track. The sounds include vocalisation, poetic texts & field recordings, with each sensor assigned a different sound. 

The movements I make whilst climbing will thus live-compose an ever changing sound piece. For example if I am hanging on with just one hand, only the piece attached to that sensor will be playing and will play until I let go. 

The form of both the central sculpture & custom climbing holds will merge visual & textual sensations of human flesh, flora & fauna and industrial materials (such as chain, rock & timber) to create a hybrid being. I will be experimenting with using natural dyes (such as eucalyptus) on the wood, these have also been used on the costume elements. 

​

In addition to this the costume will include chain carrying precious stones (melted from family heirlooms) which I will slowly unravel as I climb. The rock climbing holds will have tiny rings for the chain holding the stones to be clipped onto; through out the performance a web of chain and constellation of stones will be created.