Untitled (by your side)
"Above all else, it is about leaving a mark that I existed: I was here..."
Felix Gonzalez-Torres
In "Untitled (by your side)" four men venture into a gentle encounter in and around a plain white bed. This piece creates a situation of intimacy based on that which unites us all: the humanity of our vulnerable bodies, connected by voice and touch. Conversations, sensual togetherness and a commonality of experiences hold the space and lead the way through this encounter. Acknowledging the absence of a generation of gay men who died during the peak of the HIV-AIDS epidemic, it poses questions around queer intimacy across generations where the most private of places - the bed - becomes the starting point of enquiry.
The performance is rounded off by an installation of embroidered textiles, video work and an exhibition of photographs.
"Untitled (by your side)" is the second work by Berlin-based choreographer Nitsan Margaliot in which he explores art work by homosexual male artists who passed away during the HIV-AIDS epidemic, through the lens of contemporary dance. "Untitled (by your side)" takes its inspiration from a black and white photograph of an empty bed by Cuban artist Félix Gonzáles-Torres showing the bodily imprint of those who lay in it. In February and March 1991, this particular photo could be seen on major billboards all over New York City.
Premiered at SomoS Gallery on September 9th 2022.
Concept & Choreography: Nitsan Margaliot
Performers & Collaborators: Alfredo Zinola, Antoine Mermet, Dario Wilmington, Jared Gradinger
Music: Antoine Mermet
Film: Michelle Ettlin
Embroidery: Joachim Perez
Costumes and Stage: Matthias Nebel, Nitsan Margaliot
Assistance: Juan Corres Benito
Photography: Robin Kirchner, María Eleonora Ledesma
Public Relations: Lea Pischke
Production: Uta Engel
Supported by the NATIONAL PERFORMANCE NETWORK - STEPPING OUT, funded by the Minister of State for Culture and Media within the framework of the initiative NEUSTART KULTUR. Assistance Program for Dance.
Trailer
