Alexandra Pirici's Art: Performance, Dance & Dialogue

How does one capture the ephemeral nature of performance, of a moment that exists only in the present? Alexandra Pirici has dedicated her career to answering this question, crafting live sculptures that challenge our understanding of time, space, and memory itself.

Born in Bucharest, Romania, in 1982, Pirici's journey began with a foundation in choreography. This training, however, served only as a launching pad. She swiftly expanded her practice, blurring the lines between contemporary dance, performance art, and fleeting sculptural moments. Her work often reconsiders histories and social structures, prompting viewers to question existing hierarchies through playful interventions.

Pirici's practice, which she terms live sculptures, frequently involves assembling groups of performers into formations. These aren't static displays; they are dynamic entities, constantly evolving through movement, shifts, and song. These continuous actions, conceived to unfold over long periods, challenge the traditional constraints of time-based art, creating immersive experiences that demand sustained engagement.

Her work has been showcased internationally at prestigious venues. Venues include the Tate Modern in London (2016), Centre Pompidou in Paris (2014), and the Bass Museum in Miami, Florida (2014). Notably, Pirici represented Romania at the Venice Biennale not once, but twice, in 2013 and 2022, solidifying her position within the contemporary art world.

In a time when the very concept of Europe is being scrutinized, Pirici's work resonates with a profound appeal for transnational dialogue. Her performances, often collaborative and multilingual, serve as platforms for cross-cultural exchange, fostering a sense of shared experience and understanding.

A prime example of her approach is "Encyclopedia of Relations." In 2022, this piece was presented at the 59th Venice Biennale, supported by Audemars Piguet Contemporary. It was then revisited with six performers for a presentation at the Renaissance Society in Chicago in December 2023. This work highlights the complexities of human interaction, inviting audiences to consider the subtle nuances that shape our relationships.

Pirici's art doesn't just exist in galleries and museums; it occupies and transforms the spaces in which it is presented. For the next five months, the vast central hall of Berlin's Hamburger Bahnhof is being transformed by Pirici into a dynamic interplay of a science experiment, a landscape, and a choral performance. This ongoing project is a testament to her ability to manipulate space and engage audiences in unique ways.

Her innovative approach to performance is evident in "Intermissions," a series of ongoing programs dedicated to time-based, performative, and inventive works. Launched in 2017, this series underscores her commitment to exploring the possibilities of temporal art forms. Pirici also embraces collaboration; with around half of the performers in projects like "Aggregates" not necessarily having formal acting training. This element of surprise adds a layer of authenticity, creating truly unique and impactful performances.

The core of Pirici's art involves the act of remembering not just individual memories, but the collective memory of a place, an event, or a culture. How can we preserve the essence of a bird call, a painting, or a monument that is yet to be built? This is the fundamental question that informs her artistic practice.

Pirici's work seamlessly integrates performance, dance, and sculpture, crafting pieces that are simultaneously ephemeral and enduring. She often delves into the history and significance of specific locations, subtly challenging established power dynamics and inviting viewers to rethink their understanding of the world around them. Her continuous actions unfold over extended periods, prompting sustained contemplation and deep engagement.

Her art often takes shape in the form of large-scale performances, which are constantly shifting and evolving. These aren't just performances; they are ongoing, living systems, constantly being reimagined, reshaped, and reinterpreted, ensuring their unique essence.

This will be the second collaboration between Pirici and Audemars Piguet Contemporary, following the programmes support of Piricis encyclopedia of relations (2022) at the 59th edition of the Venice Biennale.

Alexandra Pirici: Bio and Career Overview
Full Name: Alexandra Pirici
Born: November 1982, Bucharest, Romania
Nationality: Romanian
Lives and Works: Bucharest and Berlin
Known For: Performance Art, Live Sculptures, Choreography
Education: Training in Choreography
Key Themes: History, Social Structures, Collective Memory, Transnational Dialogue, Time-Based Art
Notable Works: Encyclopedia of Relations, Aggregates, Attune
Exhibitions:
  • Tate Modern, London, United Kingdom (2016)
  • Centre Pompidou, Paris, France (2014)
  • Bass Museum, Miami, Florida (2014)
  • 55th and 59th Venice Biennale (2013, 2022)
  • New Museum, New York (2018)
  • Skulptur Projekte Mnster (2017)
Collaborations: Audemars Piguet Contemporary
Artistic Approach: Combines performance, dance, and sculpture, creating live sculptures that evolve over time. Often employs large groups of performers.
Website: Insert Official Website Link Here (replace with actual website)

The work of Alexandra Pirici calls for a culture of transnational dialogue, a crucial perspective when considering the current global climate. This philosophy permeates her work, extending a hand towards greater understanding and cultural exchange. Her pieces often involve a range of languages, perspectives, and artistic approaches, constructing a tapestry of shared experience.

The ongoing projects of Alexandra Pirici challenge viewers to confront their assumptions. Consider the recent presentation of "Attune," analyzed by Marley Heltai on May 24, 2024. Such pieces extend invitations to viewers to consider how space, time, and community are intertwined, and how art can generate a shared understanding of the world.

Her work is not confined to the realm of galleries or museums; it has expanded beyond the traditional boundaries. Pirici transforms the vast space of the Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin into a singular site for exploration. This ongoing work reflects her ability to reshape space and encourage audience participation in novel and exciting ways.

The integration of non-trained actors is a notable feature of Piricis work. It adds a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. The result of this is works that feel unforced. The work of Alexandra Pirici is a fresh reminder that art can be a powerful force in creating moments of shared understanding.

The Conjurer How Romanian Dancer Alexandra Pirici Became Performance
The Conjurer How Romanian Dancer Alexandra Pirici Became Performance

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Alexandra Pirici, Encyclopedia of Relations
Alexandra Pirici, Encyclopedia of Relations

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How Alexandra Pirici telegraphs big ideas through small gestures Art
How Alexandra Pirici telegraphs big ideas through small gestures Art

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