"Exploring Body and Transformation: Photography and Experimental Video Production
Within the realm of contemporary art and performance, I had the privilege of contributing to the production of Leonard Engel's groundbreaking piece, "How to Get Rid of a Body, a Magical Manual," at the renowned At Munchen theater. As part of this artistic endeavor, I was entrusted with the responsibility of capturing the essence of the performance through photography and the creation of experimental videos. Together with Engel and musician Korhan Erel, we delved into the complexities of the human body, exploring strategies of deception, magnifying its limitations, and addressing its inherent mortality.
In this solo performance, Léonard Engel skillfully navigates the concept of leaving one's own body behind, only to discover its impossibility. With wit and precision, he embarks on a series of experiments that appear destined for failure. Drawing inspiration from diverse species and performance genres, he employs strategies of deception as tools of alienation, creating a magnifying glass effect that brings the body and its limitations into sharp focus. "How to Get Rid of a Body, a Magical Manual" operates on a paradoxical premise: the repeated attempts to make the body disappear paradoxically draw attention to its presence, emphasizing its material existence and inevitable mortality.
As part of the production team, I played a crucial role in visually documenting the performance. Through photography, I captured the raw emotion, physicality, and nuances of Engel's movements on stage. Each photograph served as a frozen moment, encapsulating the essence of the performance and allowing audiences to engage with the transformative nature of the piece.
Additionally, I was responsible for creating experimental videos that complemented Engel's exploration of body and transformation. These videos became an integral part of the performance, enhancing the audience's immersive experience and adding a visual layer to the narrative. By experimenting with various techniques, editing styles, and visual effects, I aimed to capture the essence of Engel's physicality while pushing the boundaries of conventional videography.
Through photography and experimental video production, I had the opportunity to visually document and enhance the transformative exploration of the human body and its limitations. Together with Engel and the talented team at At Munchen, we brought to life a performance that left audiences fascinated and discomforted by the profound shifts and revelations experienced within the realm of the physical body. This project was made possible through the co-production with PACT Zollverein and HochX Theater und Live Art, with the generous support of the Departments of Arts and Culture of the City of Munich.
