Grimanesa Amoros - Los pies libres
3:45, 2006For this reason-to free her soul-, Susana chooses to perform in bare feet so that it will shine through in her voice. Susana’s elation is visible in her performance, making it intensely beautiful.
She once told me of walking along a shoreline, watching the gulls float over the water. Their wings are like her bare feet, she felt, opened to the air to carry them freely in their dance with the waves and the sky. As the birds can only fly with their wings bared to the wind, so too she can only dance with her feet bared to the earth.
This video, set to her songs "Se Me Van Lo Pies" ("My Feet Are Leaving Me") is an expression of this connection that Susana makes between physical and creative freedom. These images create visual parallels, expressing the feeling of the song, of the singer, and of my own creative process.
An artist can free the soul of the viewers through an unencumbered expression of his or her experience. In this work I am both viewer and creator, this position lending me a freedom that connects me with Susana’s freedom and with that of my own soul.
Part of the CultureTV program
DirectorGrimanesa AmorosEditorGrimanesa Amoros, Cooper Miller
CountryUSAEdition2007
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Who is Grimanesa Amoros?
Grimanesa Amorós is an interdisciplinary artist with diverse interests in the fields of social history, scientific research and critical theory, which have greatly influenced her work. She often makes use of sculpture, video, lighting and sound to create works that illuminate our notions of personal identity and community. Amorós utilizes her art as an agent for empowerment to involve viewers from all different backgrounds and communities. Born in Lima. Lives and works in New York City and Peru.
How did you start with film? And do you have an educational background in art or film?
When I had over 20 years of experience in painting, I felt the need to explore new media. I studied at The Art Students League (1984–1988) and Private Ateliers in Lima, Peru (1981–1983).
Could you explain how you work, what themes or concepts and what is important to you?
The initial inspiration for my work could come from anywhere. After I have the idea for new work, I begin a process of research which includes working with new materials. I employ different techniques depending on the project. Culture diversity is always important to me. I’m very interested in exploring my own culture and others.
How does content relate to the form of your film?
The content plays a major role in the creation process of the video. The footage of Susana’s graceful movement expressed the meaning to being free.For this reason to free her soul, Susana chooses to perform in bare feet so that it will shine through in her voice. Susana’s elation is visible in her performance, making it intensely beautiful. It gave me the idea to portray this video in a way that felt spiritual and organic.
How did the film come about? Everything (carefully) planned or more intuitive?
Both of above
How do you finance your projects (by yourself, sponsors or subsidy)?
Sponsors
New Media; a challenge for film makers?
Yes, I think it’s a challenge and very intriguing. It also offers new opportunities to open up to making other films.
How does the internet influence contemporary art in general according to you?
The Internet has open new opportunity to display my work to the world. It is like a gallery except it can be available anytime online. It is another tool to get my work known to people who wouldn’t normal be able to go to exhibition and get press related information. I am able to show my videos without going through the hassle of mailing them.
What possibilities of the web are yet to be explored? Which dangers do you see ahead?
I would like to use 3D space or more interactive way of displaying work from a web browser. However, that might be too complex for older audience.
YouTube? Why or why not?
No, I don’t use YouTube for video editions. I only use YouTube for trailers and installation process of my work.
Does your work often circle the festival circuits, and do you visit festivals regularly?
Yes, all the video I have done was in the festivals. But I usually don’t have the time to travel and see all of the festivals.
Do you often meet and discuss with other film makers through the internet?
No, this is one of the other things I don’t have time for.
How influential is the reaction to your film by the audience?
It helps me think.
What is your next project about?
Currently, I’m working a couple of series of sculptural pieces, one which is entitled “Delicias” and the other I’m still developing. I will be showing and travelling to the upcoming art-fairs, Pinta New York and Scope Miami. I have The III New Media Festival in September. I will be having a solo show with Hardcore Art Contemporary Space in 2009.
< overview
< Artists interviews
CountryUSAEdition2007
< overview
Interview
Grimanesa Amorós is an interdisciplinary artist with diverse interests in the fields of social history, scientific research and critical theory, which have greatly influenced her work. She often makes use of sculpture, video, lighting and sound to create works that illuminate our notions of personal identity and community. Amorós utilizes her art as an agent for empowerment to involve viewers from all different backgrounds and communities. Born in Lima. Lives and works in New York City and Peru.
How did you start with film? And do you have an educational background in art or film?
When I had over 20 years of experience in painting, I felt the need to explore new media. I studied at The Art Students League (1984–1988) and Private Ateliers in Lima, Peru (1981–1983).
Could you explain how you work, what themes or concepts and what is important to you?
The initial inspiration for my work could come from anywhere. After I have the idea for new work, I begin a process of research which includes working with new materials. I employ different techniques depending on the project. Culture diversity is always important to me. I’m very interested in exploring my own culture and others.
How does content relate to the form of your film?
The content plays a major role in the creation process of the video. The footage of Susana’s graceful movement expressed the meaning to being free.For this reason to free her soul, Susana chooses to perform in bare feet so that it will shine through in her voice. Susana’s elation is visible in her performance, making it intensely beautiful. It gave me the idea to portray this video in a way that felt spiritual and organic.
How did the film come about? Everything (carefully) planned or more intuitive?
Both of above
How do you finance your projects (by yourself, sponsors or subsidy)?
Sponsors
New Media; a challenge for film makers?
Yes, I think it’s a challenge and very intriguing. It also offers new opportunities to open up to making other films.
How does the internet influence contemporary art in general according to you?
The Internet has open new opportunity to display my work to the world. It is like a gallery except it can be available anytime online. It is another tool to get my work known to people who wouldn’t normal be able to go to exhibition and get press related information. I am able to show my videos without going through the hassle of mailing them.
What possibilities of the web are yet to be explored? Which dangers do you see ahead?
I would like to use 3D space or more interactive way of displaying work from a web browser. However, that might be too complex for older audience.
YouTube? Why or why not?
No, I don’t use YouTube for video editions. I only use YouTube for trailers and installation process of my work.
Does your work often circle the festival circuits, and do you visit festivals regularly?
Yes, all the video I have done was in the festivals. But I usually don’t have the time to travel and see all of the festivals.
Do you often meet and discuss with other film makers through the internet?
No, this is one of the other things I don’t have time for.
How influential is the reaction to your film by the audience?
It helps me think.
What is your next project about?
Currently, I’m working a couple of series of sculptural pieces, one which is entitled “Delicias” and the other I’m still developing. I will be showing and travelling to the upcoming art-fairs, Pinta New York and Scope Miami. I have The III New Media Festival in September. I will be having a solo show with Hardcore Art Contemporary Space in 2009.
< overview
