Layer(s)

Kihako Narisawa

Das Foto zeigt eine weiblich gelesene Person, die mit überschlagenen Beinen auf einer Bühne auf einem Stuhl sitzt und ein Mikrofon vor sich stehen hat. The backdrop is black.

Kihako Narisawa, Layer(s), photo: Camille Blake

With Layer(s), choreographer and performer Kihako Narisawa presents an open-form, durational performance that unfolds within Gropius Bau’s interstitial spaces. In 20-minute fragments that blend film, dialogue and live interventions, she investigates the layering of identity, visibility and representation.

Inspired by the visual strategies in Oliviero Toscani’s campaigns for the fashion label Benetton, Narisawa reflects in Layer(s) on how cultural codes shape our understanding of diversity. What strategies do individuals adopt to express or shield themselves? How is identity curated, performed and perceived? By engaging with the concept of “Reclaiming the Self,” which Narisawa’s mentor at Forecast, Hussein Chalayan, also explores, Layer(s) considers the interplay of projection, etiquette and cultural expectation in constructing meaning around the body in performance.

Kihako Narisawa is an interdisciplinary artist, choreographer, performer and designer. Her conceptual practice spans text, sound, video, installation, live performance and spatial design. Narisawa’s work is informed by ongoing investigations into spatial theory, anthropology and both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Forecast is dedicated to facilitating, mentoring and promoting creative practices and artistic practitioners. As part of its international mentorship programme, Forecast selects mentors from various disciplines who offer participants their expertise in specifying and realising their project ideas. Previous mentors include architect Tatiana Bilbao,  musician Holly Herndon, choreographer Florentina Holzinger, curator Koyo Kouoh and artist Emeka Ogboh, among others. Forecast has been taking place annually since 2015, with its public formats Forum and Festival.