What's Happening?
Choreographer and visual artist Will Rawls has debuted his site-specific performance work, 'Unmade,' at the Hammer Museum as part of the Made in L.A. 2025 exhibition. The performance, which took place on October 5th, is set to be shown on various Saturdays
until February. 'Unmade' traverses the museum, engaging themes of repurposing materials, collaboration, and community building. The dancers, dressed in costumes designed by Nancy Stella Soto, interact with a variety of objects, creating a whimsical yet functional visual experience. The performance emphasizes the theme of resource-sharing and connection, with dancers manipulating objects like wooden boards, cones, ropes, and more, often in tandem, to explore new uses and movements.
Why It's Important?
The performance 'Unmade' by Will Rawls is significant as it challenges viewers to consider the importance of resource-sharing and community interaction in society. By using everyday objects in creative ways, Rawls highlights the potential for repurposing and collaboration, which can be seen as a metaphor for addressing societal issues such as resource scarcity and community disconnection. The performance encourages audiences to reflect on how these themes impact real-world communities, potentially inspiring new approaches to social and environmental challenges. The exhibition at the Hammer Museum also contributes to the cultural landscape by offering a platform for innovative artistic expressions that provoke thought and dialogue.
What's Next?
The 'Unmade' performance will continue to be showcased at the Hammer Museum on select Saturdays until February, allowing more visitors to experience and engage with its themes. As audiences interact with the performance, there may be discussions and reflections on the broader implications of resource-sharing and community building. The museum's ongoing exhibition, Made in L.A. 2025, will continue to feature diverse artistic works, potentially influencing future collaborations and projects that address similar themes. The performance may also inspire other artists to explore site-specific works that engage with social issues in creative ways.
Beyond the Headlines
Will Rawls' 'Unmade' performance delves into deeper cultural and ethical dimensions by subtly addressing the real-world issue of resource scarcity and community disconnection. The use of bright costumes and imaginative object manipulation avoids direct imitation of encampments, instead creating an imagined future world where resource-sharing is pivotal. This artistic approach allows viewers to interpret the performance's themes individually, fostering personal reflection on societal challenges. The performance's organic and interactive nature also highlights the potential for non-verbal communication and connection, suggesting alternative ways to build community and share resources.
