On the occasion of Robert Rauschenberg: Erasing the Rules, this new performance from choreographers and former Merce Cunningham dancers Rashaun Mitchell and Silas Riener explores the connections between dance and visual art. Mitchell and Riener draw on the concept of “Desire Lines,” unofficial routes or trails in nature and landscape architecture that diverge from a designated path. “Desire Lines” are formed over time as the people traversing a space reject the assigned paths in favor of alternate ones. DESIRE LINES: RETROFIT uses group improvisation to explore path-making, democratic choices, and utopian community, enabling the group of performers to navigate a world built from their own collective desires.
DESIRE LINES: RETROFIT kicks off Limited Edition, a thematic look at artistic lineage inspired in part by Robert Rauschenberg: Erasing the Rules. Organized by the museum’s online platform for arts and culture Open Space, Limited Edition features events at the museum and sister institutions CounterPulse, ODC Theater, The Lab, and Z Space.
Since 2010 Rashaun Mitchell and Silas Riener have created dance in response to complex and active spatial environments, often merging elements of fantasy, absurdity, and quiet contemplation into challenging multifaceted performance. Their collaborative work takes many forms, from site-specific installations, improvisational dances, and traditional proscenium pieces to highly crafted and intimate, immersive experiences. Their work has been presented at MOMA PS1 as part of Greater NY, The Chocolate Factory, New York Live Arts, Danspace Project, the Vail International Dance Festival, REDCAT, ICA Boston and Summer Stages Dance, the Walker Art Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, On the Boards, and the O Miami Poetry Festival.
Select programs presented in conjunction with Robert Rauschenberg: Erasing the Rules are made possible with support from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.
