Visual Rhythms Architecture Dance Music
1 visual artist with 1 idea • 2 dancers • 1 musician • 1 historic city • 5 years in the making
The Project Objective
The project is a celebration of Kingston’s heritage and contemporary architecture highlighting how we engage with spaces. It explores the cross cultural connectivity between the people, the architectural spaces and artistic expressions in our Limestone City.
Wide angle and original perspectives conceptualized and captured through the lens. One independent artist’s dream to show her city in the best light possible. I remain grateful for the inspiration from my community and the opportunity to be able to create and complete this collaborative project.
The Concept and the Research
There is a universal language that we all understand. This language connects cross culturally and influences us emotionally, physically and mentally. It has been a part of our evolution and growth in the natural environment from the beginning of time. It has been part of our creative expressions through all cultures. It is used in the visual arts of architecture and photography and in the performance arts of dance and music. It is called Rhythm.
From my personal observations stemmed the need to research the topic further. My search to find the definition and application of the element of Rhythm inherent in all cultures and arts disciplines, made me trace back and examine my own South Asian heritage and my immediate environment here in Kingston. It made me want to explore and start a visual conversation about the universal language of Rhythm and that is how the concept for Visual Rhythms Architecture Dance Music was created.
There remained questions to be answered…
- How are we influenced by the concept of rhythm in our natural and man-made environment?
- Is rhythm the common element connecting architecture, photography, dance and music? How can I interpret it with my lens?
- How to combine all four art genres and present a cross cultural visual narrative that will highlight and celebrate Kingston?
The questions led to my general research between 2014 and 2016. But the conversations across social media on the topic of ‘downtown intensification of Kingston‘ was the catalyst that synthesized the visual narrative of the project.
The Project
Under my artistic direction, the project showcases the performance talent of youth from the Kingston community and Queen’s University, against the backdrop of the Limestone City’s heritage and contemporary architecture.
Using only ambient light, Ballet, Bharatanatyam and Violin music concepts were coordinated with architecture and captured in one photographic frame. The conceptualized images try to connect the rhythm of the four art genres in a unified visual perspective celebrating our historic First Capital of Canada.
This project is now completed and presented to the city. The fine art photography book is being launched in the fall of 2023.
A big ‘thank you’ to the student volunteer artists and to those who supported this project in the City of Kingston.
Meet the Project Volunteers
Isla Turcke
Isla our Ballet Dancer from 5678 Dance Studio in Kingston, now studying at McMaster University, elegantly delivered her perfectionism in ballet to the project photography.
Kavina Sathiyasothy
Kavina our Bharatanatyam Dancer from Queen’s University, now in Med School in Granada, brought her commitment, grace and expertise of her dance form to the project photography.
Sophie Szczesniak
Sophie our Violinist and talented music teacher from Sistema Kingston added her statuesque presence and musician’s precision of form to the project photography.
Haley Sarfeld
Haley our Copy Editor, presently studying English Literature at Queen’s University, brings her love for the English language and advanced editing skills to the project publication.
Exhibition was held at Queen’s University’s Isabel Bader Centre from 4th – 21st June 2018.
Art and Media Lab, The Isabel Centre for the Performing Arts, Kingston Ontario
It has been an honour collaborating with Queen’s University’s Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts with this project.
The ongoing support has included access for photography on the premises plus free exhibition space in the Arts and Media Lab.
Many thanks to Tricia Baldwin, Director of the Isabel Bader Centre and the office and technical staff for their interest in and support for my artist project.
Learn more about the Isabel Bader Centre by clicking on the link below…..
Exhibition funded by Ontario Arts Council’s Exhibition Assistance Grant
Very grateful and honored for the financial support from OAC for my first cross cultural, collaborative fine art photography exhibition here in Kingston.
This is the second time the funds received will make the installation of my artist project possible in the City. My first grant application approved in 2014 helped in presenting my exhibition Water A Reflected Perspective to the community at Taylor Studios Gallery here in Kingston.
The Ontario Arts Council’s funding programs supports the creation and presentation of artistic work by Ontario artists and promotes artistic careers broadening our outreach which adds to the socio-cultural enrichment of our communities.
The Locations
Photography was accomplished at multiple landmark locations in the City of Kingston.
The project was possible because of the welcoming and supporting environment at each location. Many thanks to the management and staff at each institution. They are:
Thank you for your support Kingston!