– Exhibition: “Needle Dance” by Makiko Harris, 17th February – 2nd March. – Location: art’otel London Hoxton. – Themes: fate, feminism, connection; features underwater film and needle sculptures. – Collaborators include Peter Gray and Deborah Milner. – Focuses on the tension between destiny and personal agency in feminist identity.
Makiko Harris presents “Needle Dance,” an innovative underwater film and multimedia exhibition running from 17th February to 2nd March at art’otel London Hoxton. The work explores themes of fate, feminism, and connection through striking visuals, including monumental needle sculptures and a conceptual film. Co-created with renowned artists, this exhibition marks a significant event in contemporary art, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of autonomy and identity through a transformative lens.
“Needle Dance” comprises a five-minute film and supporting artworks, crafted with Peter Gray, Deborah Milner, and Carlos Basilisco. It reflects Harris’s focus on feminist identity and answers questions about the balance between destiny and personal agency, offering a narrative steeped in symbolism and historical context. Harris aims to unravel the tension between inherited roles and self-determination within the feminist movement, using vivid imagery to convey these ideas.
Before this exhibition, Harris received accolades for her various works across multiple mediums, including her debut film at Tate Modern, highlighting her rapid ascent in the art world. She has explored the historical and contemporary aspects of feminism, crafting a unique voice in a global landscape, with her art now in numerous significant collections. This new presentation at art’otel London provides a captivating stage for her latest and ambitious projects.
The exhibition’s centerpiece, the red thread of fate, invites viewers to question their own connections and autonomy, positing that although we may be tied to others, we can still assert independence. The film’s underwater setting amplifies these themes, showcasing dancers in a milieu that allows for both struggle and liberation, evoking the complexity of personal relationships and societal expectations.
Harris’s monumental needle sculptures elevate domestic tools to powerful feminist symbols, subverting traditional views associated with femininity. The artist draws on her grandmother’s legacy and personal experiences, transforming her initial militant view into a narrative of repair and unity that emphasises both struggle and healing in womanhood. This bold reinterpretation highlights the dual nature of femininity as powerful and nurturing.
Through “Needle Dance,” Harris seeks to evoke a dialogue on the relationship between feminism and desire, emphasising how personal longing can stem from both fate and individual agency. The exhibition’s intricate design and presentation encourages reflections on the complexities of connection and self-definition, celebrating the inherent tensions that shape our lives. In her own words, Harris captures the essence of her work through her desire to honour her lineage while forging her unique identity.
“Needle Dance” reflects the intersection of contemporary art and feminist themes, produced by interdisciplinary artist Makiko Harris. It delves into deep discussions about fate and autonomy through symbolic representations, such as needle sculptures, which challenge traditional notions of women’s work. This exhibition builds on Harris’s previous successes and contributes to ongoing conversations regarding identity, desire, and feminist representation in the arts, highlighting her innovative approach to multimedia art.
Makiko Harris’s “Needle Dance” is a compelling exploration of feminism, fate, and connection, running from 17th February to 2nd March at art’otel London Hoxton. The exhibition presents the artist’s vision through a captivating film and powerful sculptures, elevating the conversation around women’s autonomy and identity in contemporary art. Harris encourages viewers to reflect on the tensions between tradition and independence, making this a significant cultural event.
Original Source: www.londondaily.news