Pawel Mendrek. Ritual Paths
Groups have different values and behavior. Crowds are a combination of units, all of which belong to different groups contradictory. However, if the crowd is mainly related to a specific group, the value of this group will dictate the actions of the crowd. In the crowd, which is more ambiguous, people adopt new social identity. The identity of the group is to create a set of standards of behavior.
Dance used in ceremonies performed a catalytic function, released excess energy and discharged the tension of the dancing people. Dance occurred in various traditions, as a codified set of protective gestures, but above all as a sign of metamorphosis, a liminal state, which was framed by ceremonies, celebrations creating a sense of community and social order.
Ritual paths project, implemented exhibition for the Gallery Loft 8, takes as its starting point gesture and movement, especially the phenomenon of Apulian tarantism, which for centuries has been located on the borderline of disease aberration, mystical rite and cultural spectacle. For years, obsessive dance fascinated and stimulated the imagination of not only psychiatrists and psychologists, but above all, it inspired artists, writers, directors and researchers who saw the creative potential in it. As a result of that, dramatic stories of tarantists emerged, claiming that they have been bitten by a venomous spider and must “dance” their disease in a frenetic dance. However, the research possibilities of interpreting this phenomenon are still inexhaustible.
The exhibition symbolically refers to the dance, rather exposing gestures and group ceremonies.
This exhibition is a result of dance and transformation project by curator Marta Lisok, created for artist residency Mobile Art Lab Ostuni.
