Tickets available online as of June 1st, 2013 click here
View the video trailer here
With the support of núna (now), Intermedia artist Freya Björg Olafson presents the world premiere of HYPER_. This new work exploits the dimensionality of the performers body in relationship to the immersive screen, moving seamlessly between 3D and 2D representations of corporeality. HYPER_ inherently becomes a site for expanded choreography where bodies and disembodied technology mix. The performers physique is dissected and transformed, disappearing and merging with the stage and screen. Animated by a series of transformations, layered and colorful, the body becomes a dreamscape. HYPER_ deploys an intriguing combination of Lo and Hi technology to create stunning illusions and features lighting design by Hugh Conacher.
Olafson states ‘Our era of ceaseless copying and remixing is an omen for our cultural crisis of authenticity’. In her work we see that we have arrived at the age of doubt and are no longer sure about anything, including the authenticity of our own experience. Consequently ‘I doubt therefore I am’ has become the inescapable narrative of our time. As a result the distinction between the real and the fake has become increasingly obliterated. Freya’s work has evolved from a focus on the mantra ‘I post therefore I am’ in AVATAR, to her concern in HYPER_ with perpetual cultural uncertainty & questioning ‘I doubt, therefore I am’ – ‘Dubito, ergo sum’.
Olafson’s most recent award winning work AVATAR achieved international success, touring across seven provinces, four states, three cities in Ecuador, as well as various showings across six countries in Europe. Her work has been recognized for its innovation, interdisciplinarity, evocative imagery, dark humour and was called “Incontournable (Not to be missed)” by Le Devoir in Montréal – Don’t miss it, book your tickets!
The development of this series is generously supported by:
The Canada Council for The Arts,
Manitoba Arts Council,
The Winnipeg Arts Council
& Video Pool Media Arts Center
The HYPER_ series received production and residency supports from:
EMPAC – Experimental Media and Performing Art Center (Troy, New York)
Studio 303 – Danse & Arts Indisciplinés (Montréal, Quebec)
Latitude 53 – Center for Visual Culture (Edmonton, Alberta)
Research residencies at:
Medea Electronic ‘Koumaria Residency’ (Athens, Greece)
Atlantic Center for the Arts (New Smyrna Beach, Florida)
Plug In ICA ‘Summer Institute’ (Winnipeg, Manitoba)