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— Brooklyn, NY – A new performance piece titled ‘anyyywayyy whatever’ is set to premiere at Amant in Brooklyn, offering audiences a thought-provoking exploration of modern disengagement and societal anxieties. The work, conceived by artist Barnett Cohen, merges spoken word with innovative movement, challenging conventional narrative structures in performing arts.
A Unique Approach to Performance Art
Table of Contents
- 1. A Unique Approach to Performance Art
- 2. deconstructing Narrative and embracing Complexity
- 3. From Poetry to Performance: Cohen’s Artistic Journey
- 4. Evolution of ‘anyyywayyy whatever’
- 5. Confronting Apathy: The Core Message
- 6. Collaborative choreography and Design Elements
- 7. key Performance Details
- 8. How does the installationS use of interactive technology impact the viewer’s interpretation of the artwork’s message?
- 9. Bold Mosaic of Movement and Text: A Review of ‘Anyywayyy Whatever’
- 10. Deconstructing the Visual Language
- 11. the Role of Typography as Texture
- 12. Movement and the Illusion of space
- 13. Technical Considerations & Implementation
barnett Cohen, a Brooklyn resident known for a distinctive style, is presenting a work that defies easy categorization. During a recent rehearsal, Cohen was observed guiding six performers with a gentle, collaborative approach. The artist, dressed in characteristic casual attire, emphasized an open environment where movement and language intertwine.
deconstructing Narrative and embracing Complexity
The performance begins with minimalist gestures before evolving into a dynamic interplay of physical expression and recited text. Performers deliver lines such as “High octane octaves / intrusive thoughts out of hand,” which serve not to propel a linear story, but to create a textured emotional landscape. Cohen has intentionally avoided straightforward interpretation, aiming instead to present a multifaceted experience.
From Poetry to Performance: Cohen’s Artistic Journey
Cohen’s path to performance art is unconventional. Initially aspiring to be both a poet and an actor, their artistic vision converged into what they define as ‘movement art.’ Having studied theater and penned poetry – even publishing a collection alongside Simone Forti – cohen broadened their creative scope to include painting and social activism, founding the Mutual Aid Immigration Network. Early experiments involved reciting extensive written pieces to audiences with eyes closed. Slowly, movement became integrated, leading to showcases at venues like Canal Projects and Judson Memorial Church.
Evolution of ‘anyyywayyy whatever’
The seeds of ‘anyyywayyy whatever’ were first sown in a two-person rendition commissioned by Caterina Zevola for Performissima in Paris in october 2024. The current iteration, debuting at Amant, expands the performance to a full hour and incorporates the talents of four additional performers: Laurel Atwell, Sally Butin, Deja rion, and Fiona Smith.
Confronting Apathy: The Core Message
Cohen states the title, ‘anyyywayyy whatever,’ reflects a deep frustration with the world’s current state.It encapsulates a sense of overwhelm and a tendency to disengage from pressing issues, a sentiment increasingly prevalent in contemporary culture. The work isn’t an attempt to provide solutions,but rather a mirror reflecting a shared experience of detachment.
Collaborative choreography and Design Elements
The creative process involves a close collaboration between Cohen and the performers. Movement phrases evolve through experimentation and adaptation, with Cohen describing it as a process of “throwing things against the wall and seeing what sticks.” The performance will be further enhanced by clothing designed by Melitta Baumeister and lighting by Sarai Frazier, inspired by rave and queer nightlife aesthetics.
