National Biennale: Derby 2016 UK NEW ARTISTS
2016 was the first year I began performing site specifically, in a performance art context. Flexing forever was dance piece that aimed to transmute the stories of the people in my community to then exude this energy through my body in the form of dance. Using the raw theatrical nature of flex dance and the storytelling of stop motion this piece was to take you on a journey of uplifting feelings. Whether it's floating along a floor or contorting my body, every movement projects stories. Flexing gives you a sweet taste of bliss and a brief encounter of what’s beyond the physical body. It tests what you think you know about reality and expands your imagination on what’s possible. Flexing is a brooklyn based dance style and subculture; a derivative of bruk up dancing. I began flexing in 2016 and fully transitioned to freeform bruk up 2020. I received UK new artists first ever ambassador prize for my work.
From 4-6 November UK Young Artists descended on Derby, bringing 80 of the UK's most talented young creatives together for a weekend of exceptional art and performance. Over three days we experienced music, dance, film, photography, painting, sculpture, digital art, theatre, poetry, installation, ceramics, and some inspirational talks and workshops from some of the UK's most respected creatives.
Live projection mapping to video game-inspired electronica at Baby People; a flexing journey through Derby from The Fountain to the roof of Chapel Street Car Park; a stunning interactive multimedia performance traversing the spaces of Deda; gorgeous jazz, folk and soulful pop music at Derby Theatre; totally hilarious McDonald's-inspired poetry, quirky stop motion animation on a carpet in Derby Market Hall; a giant inflatable orb powered by social media likes and a tantalizing pool bathed in projection at Riverlights; site-specific sculpture and tactile playful installations at Bio House; intricate and evocative paintings; stunning photography and mesmerising digital art - just a fraction of the highlights from #UKYA16!
13 venues, 10 exhibitions, 24 performances, 15 talks and workshops, 80 artists, 40 volunteers, 5 ambassadors, 5 staff, 11,000 visitors, 3 days, 3 delicious breakfasts, countless Orange Tree drinks tokens. We would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to each and every person that contributed to an inspiring and exciting festival in Derby.