There is a sense of timelessness and harmony, as you watch over 30 people unite in movements to create a large human kaleidoscope. “connect: kaleidoscope” is a meditative work with an almost spiritual feel, that was performed under a huge copper beech tree on a meadow of grass and flowers on the grounds of a water castle. As raindrops fell on the faces of the performers, they shared in the unique experience of connecting with each other and the natural environment.
The sentiment driving the work is connection. Connection between people and connection with the world we live in. Schwenk has created a body of work that re-presents these feelings for us to experience. Her 2-channel film successfully creates a dreamy experience that transports us back into this performance and into a space of feeling calm and connected.
An interactive installation expands the experience, allowing viewers to re-perform aspects of the performance while watching “Drawings for the performance”. The installation is made up of 3 viewing points that show 5 hand-drawn short films (2 to 6 minutes each) on small screens/ ipads with headphones. The viewing points are set up in ways to encourage people to lie down; kneel and stand, referencing the movements of the human kaleidoscope. The music and animation are hypnotic and mesmerising.