Pawel Mendrek: Ritual Paths
Donnerstag, 08. Februar 2018 - 19:00 Uhr
Loft 8
Dance used in ceremonies performed a catalytic function, released excess energy and discharged the tension of the dancing people. Dance occurred in various traditions, as a codified set of protective gestures, but above all as a sign of metamorphosis, a liminal state, which was framed by ceremonies, celebrations creating a sense of community and social order.
Ritual paths project, implemented exhibition for the Gallery Loft 8, takes as its starting point gesture and movement, especially the phenomenon of Apulian tarantism, which for centuries has been located on the borderline of disease aberration, mystical rite and cultural spectacle. For years, obsessive dance fascinated and stimulated the imagination of not only psychiatrists and psychologists, but above all, it inspired artists, writers, directors and researchers who saw the creative potential in it. As a result of that, dramatic stories of tarantists emerged, claiming that they have been bitten by a venomous spider and must ?dance? their disease in a frenetic dance. However, the research possibilities of interpreting this phenomenon are still inexhaustible.
The exhibition symbolically refers to the dance, rather exposing gestures and group ceremonies.
This exhibition is a result of dance and transformation project by curator Marta Lisok, created for artist residency Mobile Art Lab Ostuni.