“BLIND SPOT” is a physical portrayal of human memory, consciousness, and subconsciousness. This work probes new forms of physical expression freed from the imitation of conventional reality.
*This project is sponsored by Pola Art Foundation (Japan).
Lisa Kusanagi
Lisa Kusanagi, MFA, is a Japanese multi-award-winning artist with expertise in dance and screendance. She investigates conceptual virtuosity through physical artistry and leverages her transnational upbringing and influences in the creative elements of her projects. Her works have been presented in over 30 countries including at the 60th Ann Arbor Film Festival, the 10th Aesthetic Short Film Festival, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Movement Research at the Judson Church, and JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles L.A. Live. Lisa holds a BA in Theater and Dance from Sonoma State University and an MFA in Dance from Hollins University. She is a 2018 RAD Fest Screendance juror, a 2024 Pola Art Foundation fellow, and a 2024 Miami Light Project Here & Now commissioned artist.
osmani tellez
Osmani Tellez is a Cuban-born Miami-based dance artist. He graduated from the National School of Arts in Havana. As a professional dancer, he had the pleasure of working with companies including Danza Abierta, Danza Hoy, Rajatabla, and Neodanza as well as with artists such as; David Zambrano, Mia Lawrence, Jeremy Nelson, Tim Feldmann, Bo Madvig, Kirstie Simson, Chamecki-Lerner, Jennifer Monson, Jennifer Miller, and Yvonne Meier. He uses improvisation as a tool to explore subjects and develop ideas in personal and authentic ways. His original choreographic work has been presented worldwide.
Artist statements
【Lisa Kusanagi】
I investigate conceptual virtuosity through physical and multi-dimensional artistry. I explore the dynamic potentiality of live performance and experimental film by integrating multiple mediums that are uniquely physically experiential based on realism and virtuosity and offer my art as a visceralnature of the human experience. My agency to create is when I cannot fully agree or disagree with subjects, that I consider there have great potential for me to explore freely; reclaiming traditional and superficial understanding and underestimated ideas, decolonizing imaginations, and arriving somewhere that I could not reasonably have been expected to arrive, but which I recognize when I get there. I aim to evoke feelings of empathy in the audience by respecting their intelligence and offering my art that is environment, time, event, and people-specific; I research various nuances for each work adapting specific conditions to balance the artwork and I pay attention to the information I am sharing by each and different location, moment, circumstance, and community of the people I am in and with at the moment. Because how much of the message of the work is comprehended by the audience is dependent upon a knowledge of the sources they are using. I try to design my art to be inclusive by leveraging my multicultural upbringing to influence mindfulness and creative elements in my conceptual art.
【Osmani Tellez】
Art is food for the soul. An attempt to make sense of what goes on inside of us. In my creative process, I like exploring, seeking, and experimenting, looking for a more authentic way to express and communicate. To me, art is a journey and a constant push for inner evolution. My work is centered on the use of intentional improvisation as a way to tap into the subconscious looking for a more free and unconstrained flow of ideas. Embracing the beauty of imperfections, the freedom of chaos, and of what is real. I believe that technical skills should not get in the way of a creative process but should be able to adapt and transform as it is necessary and not be limited by tradition or realistic representations. In a more abstract and conceptual style, I find a more true connection with the experience. In my work, I like to leave some space for discovery and communication, a chance for the viewer to participate. Like a child poking at the world, discovering what makes it move. Like a broken mirror full of illusions and delusions. Art is an essential part of our human existence.