"Along the Native Garden" is an interdisciplinary collaborative installation that was presented at Mistlin Gallery in Modesto, CA as a part of the Synergy Exhibition.
The installation included a free-standing structure which supported three poems and a silk painting. Two photographs of the Native Garden, a still-shot from the choreographic film, and a QR Code to the film were hung on the gallery wall.
On exhibit from July 18, 2023 through August 20, 2023
Live presentations on July 20, 2023 and August 17, 2023
Karen Baker: Poem
Tina Driskill: Poem
Quinn Akeby Gagos: Choreography, Performance, Video Editing
Spencer Gagos: Music Composition
Julia Mensinger: Silk Painting and Poem
Myer: Videography
Ruthie: Performance
I initially was approached by Julia to choreograph and perform a site-specific piece in the La Loma Native Garden in Modesto, CA. Later, 10 year-old Ruthie was invited to the collaboration. A few changes happened along the way including both the initial videographer and musician having to back out of the project. The effects of this created a unique experience.
Firstly, Ruthie and I were not able to rehearse before our filming day. All choreography was taught as we filmed the various scenes. Her older brother, Myer, ended up filming on my iPhone using a gimbal. We did not have any music to perform to, so all movement while having to be dynamic had to also follow a simplistic enough rhythm to overlay sound later.
After recording, I set out to use Adobe Premiere for the first time to create the final film. I was inspired by other video installations I had seen at galleries to attempt an art film feeling. In the end this choice better supported the choreography and "rehearsal" format, making the piece more dynamic. Once I had a final time cut of the film, my younger brother, Spencer, was called in to compose an original piece of music to the film. This became the most interesting and fulfilling part of the artistic process for me.
As I watched the film for the first time with music, I had a "Huh, that's not what I envisioned, but it fits seamlessly" moment that lasted for a few viewings. Then I had the obvious yet personally enlightening realization that that must be how musicians and composers feel just about every time someone choreographs to their music.
Moving forward I am inspired to continue to explore this reversal of order.