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Human Geography and the Practice
of Presence Collaborators: Karl Cronin, choreographer, and Sasha Cuerda, geographer Dancers: Maggie Bennett and Diana Crum Videos Dry Earth iLAB Summer Photos (PDF) iLAB Two Guided Scores (PDF) Photos
Human Geography and the Practice of Presence - 3 FREE PUBLIC EVENTS Friday, June 20, 2008, 6:30-8pm: Framing the question, Brooklyn Bridge Park, on the steps leading down to the rip rap by the river. The talk will begin with a presentation by Cuerda about the history of action network theory and non-representational theory, followed by a discussion of the various methods geographers use to test theories in the field. Cronin will provide background information on site-specific choreography, land art, and the use of movement scores to illustrate ecological concepts. Thursday, July 10, 2008, 6-8pm: The choreography of agency, Pier 44 in Red Hook, Brooklyn An evening of movement experiences and experiments -- through a series of guided practices led by the collaborators, participants will have the opportunity to explore different ways of relating to space using their kinetic experience as a starting point. Directions: Meet in front of The Waterfront Museum at 290 Conover St. at Pier 44. The Museum is at the end of Van Brunt St.; turn right on Reed St., go one block and turn left on Conover. go thru the entrance gate to the right to Pier 44. Thursday, July 31, 2008, 6-8pm: Summer highlights and discoveries, Valentino Park, Brooklyn An evening presentation which explores research highlights as well as the struggles and possibilities inherent in art-science collaboration. Light refreshments will be served Videos June 20, 2008 June 20, 2008 - Community Handout (PDF) July 10, 2008 July 10, 2008 - Tools/Games for Exploring Space (PDF) July 30, 2008 July 31, 2008 - Debriefing Form (PDF) July 31, 2008 - Methods (PDF) The collaborators will conduct movement research based on two leading theories from the field of Human Geography: Action Network Theory (ANT) and Non-Representational Theory. These two theories have been widely debated within the field of geography, and in their own ways postulate a manner of being in space that involves interacting directly with one's environment-moving beyond layers of semiotics and abstracted representations. During the iLAB residency, the collaborators will create movement practices that begin to address some of the fundamental elements of these two theories, and will offer opportunities for participants to engage in the movement practices firsthand. Scores will be developed and tested and presented on-site at Brooklyn Bridge Park as well, as two locations yet to be determined in the Brooklyn littoral zone. Collaborator Biographies: Karl Cronin (Choreographer) is an artist interested in how our experiences of particular environments shape our behavior. In recent years, his work has focused on creating ritualized practices that encourage participants to observe and re�ect upon their somatic sensations in relation to speci€c environments and situations. Coming from a background in modern dance, which he studied and performed through high school and college, Cronin took an extended break from performing between 2000-2004 to study cognitive development at Harvard's Lab for Developmental Studies and the neural correlates of music training at Harvard Medical Schools' Music Neuroimaging Lab. Cronin returned to performing and creating choreography in 2004, and has since presented several works that blend together art practice and scienti€c process. This work has been performed at the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art, Green Street Studio, The Dance Complex, and in site-speci€c performances in over 14 states. He currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. For more information, please visit DryEarth.org or contact Karl Cronin at contact@dryearth.org (617.759.8466). Sasha Cuerda (Geographer) is a graduate student in the department of Geography at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Following a year of coursework in the department of Urban Planning in 06-07, Cuerda embarked on a somewhat radical change of course with respect to his academic work, and switched his studies to the department of Geography. With a broader interest in creating large-scale change in how communities construct and use communal space, he found that there was a greater amount of theoretical freedom to innovate new models for urban planning within the field of Geography. Cuerda grew up in northern Spain, where his passion for good food and community was first sparked. He currently resides in Chicago, IL. About Dry Earth: Dry Earth is a project that creates performances, events, rituals, and research exploring the unique relationship each person has with the spaces they inhabit. Directed by choreographer Karl Cronin, Dry Earth began in June 2007, and creates physical experiences that focus participants' awareness of how they relate to the natural environment. At the core of this work is a commitment to cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration. Experiencing space is extremely subjective, yet there are many theories as to how we perceive, store, and relate to our environment. With projects that bridge artistic process and scientific investigation, the Dry Earth team creates experiences that blend together field-specific models of how people with movement experiences and presentations. Directions and Transportation for July 31 Event: Located at Louise Valentino Jr. Park & Pier, Brooklyn Valentino Park can be accessed at the corner of Coffey street and Ferrris St in Brooklyn, NY 11231 Subway: Take the F or G subway to Smith / 9th Street. Transfer to the B-77 Bus (heading away from Park Slope) to the conver Street stop at the corner of coffey Street; walk West two blocks to the park pier. Bus: Take the B61 to Red Hook and get off at the intersection of Coffey and Van Brunt St.; walk West two blocks to the park pier. Click here for a map: Coffey St. & Ferris St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 Additional directions are available from the New York City Parks Department Website. Enter "Valentino Park" in the search field. For more information contact info@ilandart.org, or call 212 375-8283 **Wednesday evenings 6-8pm, an open practice session will be held with the collaborators that is open to the public. For more information call Karl at 617 759- 8466. |