1. Introdution
‘La Scatola’ is a transdisciplinary project by Rui Costa and Manuela Barile that explores the notion of confinement using multiple approaches and works on the border zone between the ‘I’ and the outside world. “La Scatola” (“The Box”, in English) can be thought as a narrative device, that represents a diffuse space between the “inside” and the outside”, between the “I” and the “other”, in which multiple and sometimes opposite strength lines are present: sensitive manifestations of the incarcerated and/or protected body, distorted visions of the external world, anxiety, wishes and memories.
We may define this zone in purely spatial terms (“forbidden zone”, “abyss”, “barrier”) but also in terms of bidirectional “energy fluxes” created by the sensorial and emotional projection of the incarcerated individuality into the outside world (pain, desire, resistance, impotence, etc.) and by the representation (idealized, distorted, diffuse) of the outside world in the mind and body of the incarcerated individual.
The project ‘La Scatola’ (‘the cage’ in English) will be materialized in several ways, according to the spatial context where it will be presented and the collaboration with artists of several areas. Given the background of the authors of this project, the focus in terms of materials will be on body and vocal performance and on sound and video installation.
2. Work Approach
The several narrative devices to be used will be organized in order to create enigmatic situations, between the familiar and the weird (or distant). The images or objects to be used, in its simplicity and depuration, can be transformed in a mirror capable of facing the audience with their own memories and individual experiences. This depuration process is set in order to search new metaphorical possibilities that are not mere illustrations, opening itself to the biggest number of interpretations and associations.
In “La Scatola” the interactivity and transcoding processes between the different used media (sound, video, performance, sensors) will be deliberately used in a controlled manner, trying not to saturate the desired expressivity and simplicity, and allowing the possibility of “revelation” regarding the used elements in the several installations / performances.
“La Scatola “ involves several phases of research and developing, starting on September 2007, making use of technological devices (both hardware and software) and performative artistic expressions. The authors don’t intend to use separately objects, images, sound and movement, but on the contrary to continuously reflect on the reciprocal possible connections between them.
The project will be materialized in several “metamorphosis” according to the possible narrative interpretations, the special contexts where it will be presented and the number and type of collaborations. Bearing in mind the authors’ artistic background, the project will have a focus on vocal / body performance and sound and video art.
3. Presentation Formats.
The project will be presented in the form of an installation-performance, either in galleries / exhibition spaces, or in a site-specific context (for instance, during the planned artistic residencies). I will also be developed a “concert” version for the project using simpler interactions between the key elements, but not compromising its “intermedia” approach.
The typical presentation format for the project will be an initial performance interacting with the installation elements / structures followed by a one or two weeks installation, with interactions automatically happening with the audience.
The different possible metamorphosis will be recombined / rethought according to the collaborations and the specific spaces to be used. The number of metamorphosis to use in each installation will depend, apart from other variables, on the dimension of the exhibition spaces.
4. Key Elements for the implementation of “La Scatola”
a. Narrative element
(Confinement narratives: childhood, old age, home, memory, etc.)
b. Performance element
(Body movements inside a space. Choreography. Language.)
c. Sensitive element
(Physical, expressive or physiologic manifestations of a body or part of a body. Voice, heart, nervous system, etc.)
d. Spatial element
Open or closed environments. Crowded or empty places. Site-specific or conventional action sets. Architecture. Landscape.
e. Sound element
Acoustic space (sound, silence, reverberation).
Sound being defined by space.
The sound of the body, “metabolic sounds captures by sensors.
f. Physical element
Materials, objects, constructions present in the installations / performances.
Boxes, basins, tables, organic materials (water, trees, nests, stones), photos, personal objects, etc.
g. Light element
Natural or artificial light. Total darkness, partial or total illumination.
‘La Scatola’ is funded by:
