Hearts pounded and energy was high at the Denver Art Museum’s performance of Nick Cave’s Soundsuits. It was all part of the DAM’s ongoing mixed-media Untitled events.
Three local dance companies were among those who brought artist Nick Cave's Soundsuits to life. It was also something Colorado isn’t likely to see again (until July that is). Here’s the view from the front row with music thumping courtesy of the fun-to-say Double-Ply Translucent Caterpillar. It’s an excerpt from the June 28 Untitled #58 (Getup) performance:
http://youtu.be/1i8zcawKt0Y
The Soundsuits – donned not only by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, 3rd Law, and Wonderbound, but by 15 community members as well – are an extension of Cave’s exhibit Sojourn on display at DAM through Sept. 22.
If you are unfamiliar with Cave’s work, you are not alone. Even DAM’s director Christoph Heinrich has explained he was unaware of Cave. That was until DAM curator William Morrow insisted the museum collaborate with the Chicago-based artist.
Cave's Soundsuits work on two levels – as free standing sculptures, which is how they are displayed at DAM, and as wearable objects. Cave, who is also a trained dancer and fashion designer, opened up about the process of creating his Soundsuits. Here he used clothing re-cut and sewn into skirts with hula hoop and metal frames to demonstrate his use of found objects to create something entirely new and different.
http://youtu.be/f5cjX41DDb4
There’s one more chance to catch Cave’s Soundsuits in action.
On the hooves of a successful performance run at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal in March, Cave brings his horse Soundsuits to Denver’s Civic Center Park, July 19 2013 at 8 p.m.
HEARD-DAM is free and open to the public.
Arts District is a collaboration of KUNC, Rocky Mountain PBS and KUVO.
