M.A. Symposium @ SFU Woodwards
Thesis Presentation for M.A. Cohort 2023-24, Dec 6, 2024
Since Fall 2023, I have been pursuing my M.A. in Contemporary Arts at SFU School for Contemporary Arts. My research is primarily in performance studies (dance) but also asked questions about curatorial approaches and visual aesthetics in the contemporary art world today. I was honoured to receive SSHRC funding for my research in dance studies in 2024.
In December it was my pleasure to share my research with the public and culminate the master’s program at SFU. Thank you to all who came, asked insightful questions and supported us!
Abstract
Blurring the Body: Investigating Memory, Intensity & Haptic Space in Crystal Pite’s Assembly Hall and Kokoro’s Love, Sex and Death
My paper investigates the elusive quality of performance that makes it stick in our memories. Through autoethnography and affective analysis, I took two dance shows as case studies: Crystal Pite’s Assembly Hall and Kokoro Dance’s Love, Sex and Death (LSD). Examining how live dance registers in the body as affect, I identify a connection between embodied memory and the performance sensorium—finding that the more intimate venue of LSD generated greater affective intensity. Recognizing the audience’s essential role, I argue for “haptic space:” a new descriptor for the productive multi-sensory blurring of bodies in live performance.
Bio
Rachel Silver Maddock is a dance artist and writer based on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. She sees the body as site of investigation, tool of expression and mysterious archive. Her movement practise is nourished by the somatic techniques of many brilliant local artists, and she contributes regularly to arts publications.