This programme recognises the growing importance of the performing arts in the world of contemporary art and contributes to secure the history of Serralves as a pioneering museum in terms of transdisciplinary initiatives, characterised by constant intersections between the visual and performing arts, and the regular presence of leading international figures from the worlds of dance, the performing arts and contemporary music.
This programme aims to reflect the diversity of current perspectives about current performing arts — from work on language, exploration of the relationship with theatre through attention to the spoken word, and also incorporation of props , connections and tensions between physical action and drawing or sculpture, questioning of the autonomy of the impacts of a performance as an installation and memory and the long-term construction of relationships with the architectural and acoustical space.
As they move backwards, a story is whispered in their ear - associated to the history of the Park, and the plant species that they will find along the way. The story told during this performance has been written by the artist, based on reports from the gardeners that look after the Park. Over several hours - as they perform a series of repetitive actions - the two performers record and play back a recording of the sound of two drums.
They alternate between adding new sounds and listening - between action and contemplation. Over time, they build up several layers of recordings of the drums and acoustic reflections of the sounds in the room. Their actions remain minimal and minimalistic but the sound grows in intensity and volume, as rhythmic fragments, acoustic traces and feedback are added over time. The affinity between the two artists arose from the discovery of analogies and technical similarities between their two art forms, as well as their shared taste for free exploration.
They began exploring poetic visions, combining artistic gestures and psycho-corporal intentions. In this manner, they have created compositions and situations dedicated to well-being and celebration of life in its rich complexity. It consists of several parts and narratives, according to the various parts of the body. It has a specific structure, represented by a graphic score, while creating space for improvisation and adaptation to the singularities of each recipient.
