Portal to Another Dimension
Chanje Kunda has done a proof of concept with support from Factory International, and one week R&D residency at Battersea Arts Centre, to explore a new immersive performance combining projection mapping & immersive projection with aerial arts and movement. She wants to use art as a tool to speak on violence against women. While being non-binary inclusive, her vision is to elevate women (cis and trans alike); drawing parallels between the infinite majesty of the universe and the magnificent divinity of women.
The Team: Lead Artist Chanje Kunda (who has Complex PTSD caused by gender based violence) is the writer/ spoken word performer & pole artist, Fleur Hall is the aerial hoop artist/ contemporary dancer, Rebecca Solomon is the aerial director + Sophie Mahon is the digital artist. We experimented with a performance installation combining poetry/spoken word voiceover, with aerial arts and immersive projections of images from the James Webb and Hubble telescopes.
Digital Artist Sophie Mahon designed the immersive elements. She projected images from Nasa onto 3 metre tall black material called scrim (a gauze like fabric that you can both project onto and see through). We experimented combining these projections with aerial arts: spinning pole and aerial hoop, as well as floor based dance/ movement
In England and Wales alone ‘Two million women are estimated to be victims of violence perpetrated by men each year…’ according to the National Police Chiefs Council. These are cautious estimates, as much crime goes unreported and police only see the tip of the iceberg. I am creating art as gender activism, pointing out that women are the universe, manifesting through a human nervous system, and becoming self aware. When we become unbounded and free, we will begin to heal ourselves. I want to create a transformatory experience for audiences.
