14/8/2015
Mister Mantis
Chashama, New York
Dancer Otis Cook will perform the male mantis and Donna Ahmadi the female. Barry Weil created mantis masks, and visual artist Jennifer O'Flaherty painted and constructed habitat plants
This project explores the rich symbolism of the praying mantis in Western art and popular culture. Both an icon of gender reversal and of predatory prowess, the mantis fascinates with its lithe form, stilted grace, and oddly dignified cannibalism. Dali painted his muse with arms and hands folded -a classic gesture of the mantis and comment on the complex power relationships between them. Mantis style kung fu adopts the iconic wobble and reach of the majestic insect, its katas often expanding upon delicate movements of the wrist and hand. This project draws on both the martial and the marital, offering an intimate window into the sexual politics of a mantis "couple" and their dialogue of death, sacrifice, and renewal. Dancer Otis Cook will perform the male mantis and dancer Donna Ahmadi will perform female mantis. Barry Weil created mantis masks and moth, and visual artist Jennifer O'Flaherty painted and constructed habitat plants. In the Urban Garden Room, all performances begin at 8:30pm.