The two artists present for the first time in the UK Balance of Power, 2007. For the performance three yoga practitioners wearing military uniforms execute a sequence of 'warrior positions'. The work explores the relationship and contrast between militarism and leisure, whilst addressing issues relative to the embodiment of power through the juxtaposition of the individual quest for internal balance with the blind interiorization of standardized codes.
Pushing terms to their limit, the works of Allora & Calzadilla (Jennifer Allora,
b. 1974, USA and Guillermo Calzadilla, b. 1971, Cuba) resist strict categoriza-
tion and put normative judgement into crisis. Their films, performances
and sculptures are rich with metaphorical anomalies, variations and multiple
meanings that interrupt or alter their original context. Dealing with ideologi-
cally and historically charged topics, the artists deploy conceptual strategies
to investigate the social, political and ethical dimension of territorial power,
the articulation and survival of bodies and the negotiated relationship
of human to inhuman.
Allora & Calzadilla present for the first time in the UK Balance of Power, 2007.
For the performance three yoga practitioners wearing military uniforms
execute a sequence of ‘warrior positions’. The work explores the relationship
and contrast between militarism and leisure, whilst addressing issues relative
to the embodiment of power through the juxtaposition of the individual
quest for internal balance with the blind interiorization of standardized
codes. The performance touches on other registers, such as that of ethical
and political dissent by questioning the way we respond to physical relations
of power, and whether we oppose it or simply accept it.
Tuesday 8 - Friday 11 July, 2008
2 - 2.30pm, daily
Trafalgar Square, London