This weekend I'll be performing a new work with Lauren Eiko in the Free Fall Cube at the Oxford Arts Factory from 10pm-12pm on both Friday and Saturday nights.
Garcia and Eiko met in a dance class. Both their practices involve an investigation of movement, but also align conceptually in the inquiry of anthropological matters - more so, the problematic ones, especially the legacy of colonialism in anthropological practice.
Drawing inspiration from Guillermo Gómez-Peña and Coco Fusco’s ‘The Couple in the Cage’ performances during 1992-93, Garcia & Eiko will similarly interrogate the anthropological practice of human beings being exhibited, which has occurred throughout history, placing people from Africa, Asia and Latin America on display in Europe and the United States in museums, zoos and theatres. Due to the architecture of the Free Fall glass cube in the Oxford Arts Factory, it is inevitable that these two coloured, cis-female bodies will confront degrees of politicisation, as their ethnicity is put on display.
‘The Vitrine of Dancing Cultures’ is a museographic dance installation, in which Garcia and Eiko present auto-ethnographic portraits of themselves, bringing forth their Filipino and Japanese/Aboriginal heritages respectively. They engage in a durational dance ritual, where the neocolonisation of popular culture performed through ‘Just Dance’ games by Nintendo Wii is translated into their bodies, that are inherently marked with their cultural ancestry. Through repetition, this performance intends to bring into question an individual's stamina when facing the expectations of cultural competence and visibility.
-- posted 22nd June, 2016
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KULARTS TRIBAL-TUR 2015 RECAP
Here is a photograph of the group, as we collectively commenced to throw in ideas for a soil painting that was facilitated by local artists from Bukidnon, Balugto Poonon Necosia and Soliman Poonon from the Talaandig tribe.
I have just spent the most amazing 3 weeks getting in touch with the indigenous culture of the Philippines and feel so lucky to have had the oppotrunity to completely immerse myself in ritual, dance, music, food, stories, weaving, tattooing, and to connect with the Tboli, Maguindanao, Marawi, Manobo people, who welcomed us into their homes with great hospitality.
-- Posted 14th February, 2015
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TRIBAL-TUR 2015 with KULARTS
I am so excited to announce that I am off to the Philippines with Kularts, San Francisco's Tribal and Contemporary Pilipino Arts organisation, with director Alleluia Panis. This 13-day cultural immersion program specifically focuses on the indigenous people of Mindanao and 'embraces the majesty of the Southern Philippines and dispel fearful myths about one of the most complex and misunderstood regions of the world…' (Kularts)
I have only visited the Philippines once, back when I was 3 years old with my family. After 24 years, the motherland is calling me again, and I'm finally ready to go back alone to investigate my ancestral roots. I cannot wait!
-- posted 26th January, 2015
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WORKSHOPS WITH NOTHING TO LOSE
> A Force Majeure Production
> Commissioned by Sydney Festival and Carriageworks
> 21-24 January, 2015
I was invited by Force Majeure's artistic director Kate Champion and artist/activist Kelli Jean Drinkwater, under the recommendation of Pacific beauty Latai Taumoepeau to come into the Nothing To Lose rehearsals to run dance workshops that focus on pelvic isolations, mainly concentrating on twerking and wining techniques.
I have been working with the cast for the past couple of months, particularly with Anastasia Zaravinos' solo for the show - AND I'M LOVING IT SICK! I feel so lucky to be involved #bts in this production and am completely enamoured by the cast and crew.
For more details of the show, click on the pic below:
" ‘Fat’ is a powerful little word, full of baggage and judgement. This undaunted production delves into real-life experiences and stories to challenge aesthetic norms and reclaim a performative space for people with large bodies.
In her final work as Force Majeure’s Artistic Director, Kate Champion collaborates with artist, filmmaker and fat activist Kelli Jean Drinkwater to celebrate the abundance, strength and creative capacity of these undeniable physical forms.
Unseen, unexpected and unapologetic, Nothing to Lose investigates the relentless fascination with the fat body while abandoning stereotypes and reshaping expectations." (Force Majeure)
-- Posted 9th January, 2015
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RATOH AIR WITH SUARA INDONESIA DANCE
I performed with Suara Indonesia Dance this Boxing Day to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of the devastating tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia. This performance called Ratoh Air, choreographed by Suara's directors Bang Murtala and Alfira O'Sullivan took traditional Acehnese body percussion and contemporary dance to water, taking place in the fountain in front of St Mary's Cathedral square.
I can honestly say this this is one of the most touching performances and presentations of dance, culture and community that I've ever been a part of. What an honour.
(follow me on instagram @_garciagram)
There were also performances on the day by the kids from Suara Studios and hauntingly beautiful live music from the Rhythm Hunters.
-- posted 26th December, 2014
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Primitive Nostalgia at HONOURS UTS PSM
> December 9, 2014 - January 6, 2015
Please join us for our Honours Graduation Exhibition, opening on Tuesday 9th December at 6pm at UTS ART. There will be free drinks and snacks, promise.
I've made a new video work for graduation and there will be an individual catalogue available under my name that includes commissioned writings from Brian Fuata, Lucreccia Quintanilla and Paschal Daantos Berry. Make sure you pick one up - they're free!
Details of this event can be found here https://www.facebook.com/events/405123972969625/
-- Posted 4th December, 2014
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MUSCLE MEMORY at Firstdraft
> Open Nov 19 - Dec 12, 2014
I'm showing a new video work called Rumba Sola at 'Muscle Memory,' one of Firstdraft's closing shows for 2014, curated by Miriam Kelly. This group show includes video works by Jessica Olivieri, Alexander Boynes, and a live performance on opening night by Flatline.
-- Posted 17th November, 2014
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CLUB ☼ ATE
> Thursday November 20, 2014
Please join us at CLUB ☼ ATE! This event is a fundraiser with all proceeds going directly to the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Centre in Leyte, Philippines. The funds will be delivered in person by performance artist and dancer Bhenji Rā, to rebuild the centre and its affiliated programs that were largely devastated by typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
On this night, I will be performing Janet., for the second time this year with Filipina beauties, Ella Manongdo and Leizel Ignada. There will also be performances by the talented Justin Shoulder, and musicians Seann Miley Moore and Elle Kennard.
If you can't make the event but would still like to contribute, you can donate through this link: https://www.gofundme.com/h7pcq4
-- Posted 17th November, 2014
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PROXIMITY FESTIVAL: Symposium
> Saturday October 25, 2014
Each of the 12 artists were invited to speak at the Proximity Festival Symposium.
We were asked to deliver a 1 Minute Manifesto - mine was a Manifesto to the Pevis!
Here is an audio recording of our Key Note:
You can also listen to:
Panel 1: Is Participation A Dirty Word?
Panel 2: What Is the Future of Participation in a Global Context?
Follow Proximity Festival on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/proximityfestival
-- Posted 27th October, 2014
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PROXIMITY FESTIVAL 2014 IS HERE!
> Season Oct 22 - Nov 2, 2014
After an intensively glorious two week development lab with provocateur Julie Vulcan at the hauntingly beautiful Fremantle Arts Centre, the 2014 season of Proximity Festival has commenced!
My one-on-one work, Twerkshop can be located in Program A, alongside Cat Jones, Toyi-Toyi Theatre, and Ian Sinclair.
Although tickets sold out in less than five days (N.B. there is a waiting list option), come and join us at:
Opening Celebration: Party for 1, details here
And the Symposium, details here
-- Posted 22nd October, 2014
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Janet., at MCA ARTBAR
> Friday, September 26 from 7-11pm
Here is a shot of us, post our Janet., performance. Did I mention how we had no pants on?? NO PANTS!! #nopants
(follow me on instagram @_garciagram)
L-R: Ella Manongdo, Caroline Garcia & Leizel Igadna
-- Posted 27th September, 2014
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Janet., at MCA ARTBAR
> Friday, September 26 from 7-11pm
I've teamed up with fresh to death Pinay dancers, Ella Manongdo and Leizel Igadna to perform at this Friday's MCA ARTBAR, curated by Marian Tubbs and Caitlin Franzmann. Our performance consists of a medley of Janet Jackson hits. N.B. we'll only dancing to the bridge sections of each song :)
-- Posted 22nd September, 2014
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"HERSELF" the Experiment at PACT
> Season July 24-26, 2014
After a week long residency at the Bundanon Trust and 3 weeks of intensive creative development at PACT Centre for Emerging Artists, including masterclasses with Carlos Gomes (Theatre Kantanka) and Kim Vercoe (Version One Point Zero), we are finally ready to present our show! Come and check out "HERSELF" the Experiment, directed by the incredible Latai Taumoepeau.
Meet the cast :)
-- Posted 14th July, 2014
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2014 PROXIMITY FESTIVAL ARTISTS ANNOUNCED
> Showing October 22 - November 2, 2014
The Proximity Festival Artists for 2014 have just been announced - and I've been invited to participate!
10 artists herald from Australia, 1 from the UK, and 1 from the USA.
Here is a bit of info about the festival:
It’s a deceptively simple premise – just one artist and one audience member at a time.
Now in its third year, Proximity Festival remains the only one-on-one intimate performance platform of its kind in Australia.
Taking over twelve spaces at Fremantle Arts Centre you’re invited to encounter a series of 10-minute performances at night. Breathe air from different ages on Earth, cut loose in a 60 second twerk, dance with the untamed, climb rooftops in search of love and sit behind the wheel with a learner driver.
Proximity Festival is nine days of experimental performances, masterclasses, discussions and celebrations.
Schedule some alone time with us. We’ve built this festival from the ground up with one very important person in mind. You!
Curated by Sarah Rowbottam and Kelli Mccluskey
Artists: James Berlyn (WA), Caroline Garcia (NSW), Jen Jamieson (WA), Cat Jones (NSW), Loren Kronemeyer (USA), Tanya Lee (WA), Emily Parsons-Lord (WA), Sylvia Rimat (UK), Hallie Shellam (VIC), Ian Sinclair (WA), Alina Tang (WA) and Toyi-Toyi Theatre (WA)
To find out more about Proximity Festival, check out proximityfestival.com
To read more about the 2014 artists, click here
-- Posted 9th June, 2014
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LIFE IS HARD - at FIRSTDRAFT'S GRAND RE-OPENING
> Showing March 12-28, 2014
Group show, Life Is Hard has coincided with Firstdraft's grand re-opening in Woolloomooloo. I will be doing a live performance of Ode To Dancehall Queens at 7.30pm on opening night.
Life Is Hard features the work of nine young artists that explore the idea of failure in contemporary life. Originally part of a discursive collective that met regularly to discuss their work, each artist actively investigated this idea with a view to engaging failure by any means. Their work responds to the notion that failure is a prevalent subject in contemporary culture and an arresting concept that unites their approach to making. The exhibition, which is a curated outcome of this collaborative investigation, features performance, installation, video and photographic works that confront ideas of personal humiliation, death, alienation and the frailty of language and memory.
- Natalya Hughes & Todd McMillan (Curators)
-- Posted 12th March, 2014
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MCA Artbar - Curated by Tony Albert
I was so fortunate to be invited to participate in Tony Albert's I'm Dreamin' Of A Blak Christmas, for the 18th Edition of MCA ARTBAR. It was a really exciting chance for me to perform inside the Museum of Contemporary Art, and also a great opportunity to be on the bill with other coloured artists such as Richard Bell and Deborah Kelly! I made a new work for this event called The Late Night Lei Exchange.
-- Posted 20th November, 2013
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Screening of Autotwerk at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
!!!!!! OMG !!!!!!
(follow me on instagram @_garciagram)
-- Posted 19th September, 2013
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Channels: The Australian Video Art Festival
> Showing September 18-21
CHANNELS' call for submissions gathered an overwhelming response with almost 900 entries received. Only 33 video works were chosen for the festival, including my video Autotwerk - wooooahhh! It will be screened at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) as part of Video Visions [specifically Session 2: Constructed Worlds + Bodies Collide], alongside videos from artists that I'm obsessed with, such as Brown Council, Deborah Kelly and Soda_Jerk on Thursday 19 Sept.
To purchase tickets to the screening click here
Or here, which takes you to the ACMI page
For the full Channels Festival program, click here
And for my artist profile on the Channels page, click here
Channels: The Australian Video Art festival from Channels Festival on Vimeo.
-- Posted 30th July, 2013