The Awakening

Steven Smith Simard

The Awakening is an intimate study of the performative body. The work consists of a video projection in which a group of individuals participate in a body exploration exercise under the gaze of the camera. The body research work is inspired by the rigorous theatrical training methods of Jerzy Grotowski (1933-1999). There is no choreography. Playing the role of master director, the artist rather asks his participants to perform acts of endurance and guides them through a series of exercises extending over a very long period of time. Thus, the artist questions not only the mastery of the technique of the body, but also the mastery and self-authority in space. The participating individuals are guided, of course, but they have the freedom of specific gestures, intensity or even positions that they will explore during the exercise. Their only obligation is to continue their physical work while the camera continually examines them.          The spectator becomes witness to a very intimate and interior exploration of the participant’s moving bodies.

Documentation by Guy L'Heureux