Bodies Transformed @ The Crypt Gallery, London

22- 29 April 2010

After Thoughts:
The performance of ‘The Descent’ at the PV was spell binding with spectacular performances from Divya as Inanna and Hazel as narrator and ‘Neti the Gatekeeper’. Divya entered the space down the flight of stone entrance steps in full gold and red bejeweled regalia – which was a fitting way to enter the Under World and made a powerful impression on many people. The sound of her ankle bells and stamping feet and Hazels’ powerful narration had a hypnotic and meditative effect.

There were between 150 -200 people at the PV which filled the labyrinthine venue, but the main Crypt corridor is a difficult linear space for the audience, so there were some issues of visibility. BUT overall the feedback was great and I feel that Inanna the ‘Performance’ and ‘Piece’ made the sometimes fraught journey from ‘ideal’ to ‘real’.

The Crypt has such a powerful atmosphere that time spend invigilating had a strange surreal quality, with occasional sorties above ground for coffee and sun. ‘The Descent’ is a chilling tale and I feel that I would like to make a sunny ascent; perhaps there is another piece there?

The contrast between ‘Ice and Fire’ and ‘Inanna’ is striking in the photographs and it was good to see the linen fall out this time. The seven bowls worked on several levels:

• the seven gates to the Under World
• Inanna’s seven ‘holy powers’ which were stripped from her during her descent
• one bowl for each day of the show- placed under the ice daily

‘Intimate Makings’, the new series of prints based on the making of the ‘Crucible’ looked well in the Crypt, but I think will look better in a less loaded space, and I’m looking forward to seeing them on white walls in ‘Open Studio’ June 19-20 2010.

Please make a note in your diaries!