Artist pictured with Carry My Not Knowing, shared in Lagos, Nigeria at the G.A.S. Foundation
In my multidisciplinary practice, I embark on a journey that embraces the unknown, valuing the process of getting lost as a profound means to unearth the body's inherent wisdom of its origins. This deliberate allowance for exploration is not mere aimlessness, but a deliberate act of discovery. It is within these uncharted territories that I find the most potent revelations about the fundamental essence of the body, its history, and its untold stories.
The choreographies I craft are not merely sequences of steps, but deliberate narratives that situate the African and Latin diasporas within the broader context of the Western dance and art canon. At this juncture is where I leap into experimentation with different disciplines. This deliberate navigation is a conscious act of fostering reconciliation, bridging the gaps of understanding, and harmonizing diverse cultural influences. It's an assertion of presence and a celebration of heritage.
Central to my practice is the profound notion of freedom—a freedom that transcends the physical realm and becomes synonymous with creative expression. Choreography, to me, is the art of "organizing liberation," liberating not just the body, but also the mind and spirit. It creates a fertile environment for individuals to explore their identities without constraint or judgment.
My ultimate goal is for my work to resonate with boundless presence, transcending boundaries and preconceived notions. Performances, to me, are not mere displays of skill, but transformative experiences that blur the lines between performer and audience, object and person. They invite witnesses not to merely observe, but to actively participate in the relational dialogue unfolding before and between them.
Excavations of a self, on wretchedness and being, 2022, Art Omi Residency, with collaborators Dalisha Pinto and Cat Mahari.
CV available upon request