In anticipation of the 16th annual Italian Language Week in the World with the theme of Italian and Creativity: Brands and Traditions, Fashion and Design, the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles presents the US Premiere of Hell23 and Abyss. The two complementary performances are respectively composed of installation art, music and dance by the Italian artists Samantha Stella and Nero Kane, and a series of tableaux vivants inspired by their work by the artist and designer Mike Vensel.
The performance Hell23 is inspired by Cumaean Sibyl, a priestess of Apollo, the Greek-Roman god of the Arts, Music, Poetry and Prophecy, as well as death and destruction as described in Homer's Iliad. It suggests a shamanic journey in the dark depths of the afterlife.
Musically, the performance develops from the song Spirits, from the album Lust Soul, by the rock-wave project NERO. The visual and performance vocabulary includes the use of symbols from Neo-Classical sculpture, geometry, Samantha Stella’s motionless body and repeated gestures – a reoccurring theme in Stella’s Corpicrudi project. Corpicrudi has performed in contemporary art galleries, museums and theaters internationally including Los Angeles for LA Fashion Week 2014, where Stella presented with the celebrated dancer and choreographer Matteo Levaggi.
Inspired by the suggestive representation of Hell by Samantha Stella and Nero Kane, Abyss, offers unique tableaux vivants by artist and fashion designer Mike Vensel with a particular focus on ecology, which is reflected in his garments and art objects.
Viewer discretion is advised.
By invitation only and open to IIC members.
