Joanna Filipowska
MANTRAS 78” — Dec. 2020
Joanna Filipowska is a multidisciplinary artist from Poland with a background in architecture and performing arts. She is in dialogue with the circus, visual art, and spatial design. Her works are directed towards crossing disciplines.
Over the past 10 years has worked and performed in Europe, the Middle East, South America, and the United States. She has been developing a particular interest in the relationship between body, light, and space. In how layers of light envision ideas, aesthetics and create new scenarios that go beyond form. More info →
Akademiet For Utæmmet Kreativitet / Copenhagen, DK
Escola Nacional de Circo / Rio de Janeiro, BR
Escola Nacional de Circo / Rio de Janeiro, BR
Bachelor of Science in architecture / Wroclaw, PL
MA in Lighting Design at AAU / Copenhagen, DK
MA in Lighting Design at AAU / Copenhagen, DK
Abstract
Movement research / Live performance / An interactive installation
“Once discovered moves, carefully assembled in space are an invitation to step inside my experience and see how simple practices can be reminders to seek spaciousness. The purpose of the engaging viewer in this practice is to connect through breathing. In the same way that meditation practices incorporate mantras for bringing you back to your center.”
This project consists of many stages and phases. Is driven by the idea of crossing disciplines such as Performing Arts, Circus, Spatial Design, and Lighting Design.
Research
Oct. 2019 — Apr. 2020 / Escola Nacional de Circo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.This research started during the art residence in late 2019. Through movement, I started creating a choreography which idea partially emerges from a short text. / Sentences that would appear in my head like mantras during long training practices, and guide me in wayfinding of new transitions between moves.
* Patterson, L. (2019). Moon Lists: Questions and Rituals for Self-Reflection: A Guided Journal. Clarkson Potter.
ON CIRCLES
"Circles are symbols of wholeness, no start no finish, the unknowable origin of time. The eternal. Source of life, a destination of uncertainty. The circle signals repetition, movement within constancy, gateways, the act of
centering. It is a signifier of equality, equidistance. Oneness. In the same way that meditation practices incorporate mantras for bringing you back to your personal center, think of these motifs as symbols hidden in plain sight, reminders to seek spaciousness, step outside of your experience, and take note. The moon can be your mantra.” *
"Circles are symbols of wholeness, no start no finish, the unknowable origin of time. The eternal. Source of life, a destination of uncertainty. The circle signals repetition, movement within constancy, gateways, the act of
centering. It is a signifier of equality, equidistance. Oneness. In the same way that meditation practices incorporate mantras for bringing you back to your personal center, think of these motifs as symbols hidden in plain sight, reminders to seek spaciousness, step outside of your experience, and take note. The moon can be your mantra.” *
Choreography
Further development of the choreography took place at AFUK (Akademiet For Utæmmet Kreativitet) where I was able to connect words into sentences and rehearse. Shaping selected moves and building coherent structure.Watch full video →
Mantras 78’’ presented at the 1st Festival Mulher do Mundo (BR)
Video production
Joanna Filipowska : director & performer, Artur Walczewski: camera, Luke Daniłowicz: lighting technician, San Daniłowicz: editing & colorist, Nicolas Jaar: music.
Photography by San Danilowicz / Backstage of video production.
An Interactive Art Installation Design
Work in progress / Copenhagen 2022.Seeking relations between performing arts and spatial design through light and body. This interactive installation centered around solo performance on the aerial hoop is an open invitation to step inside of my experience. Follow designed elements in defined time and space to connect connect through breathing. In the same way that meditation practices incorporate mantras for bringing you back to your center.*
Poster Design by Joanna Filipowska / ‘Viewers Guideline’.
The sequence of moves projected on the wooden round piece ø 78’’ in the exhibit room is presenting a circus performance. The lighting design supports video projections and follows the rhythm of breathing. Designed installation size is directly related to the performance on the aerial hoop - where diameter ø 78’’ indicates the number of breaths taken when performing, 78.
(1) Box with starting device. (2) Mesh screen. (3) Plywood screen. (4) Main projector for performance video. (5) Two smaller projectors with color projections. Yellow / Red gradient to communicate when to breathe in or breath out. (6) This area is preserved for implementing pieces from the collaboration with local artists e.g. pieces of mirrors, reflective glass, or other reflective objects that would spread the directions of the light from two small projectors. (7) Small sound system.
Festival Mulher do Mundo
I participated in the first edition of Festival Mulher do Mundo organized by Collective @mulher.domundo in Brazil. The aim of this festival is to share art and disclose the fight for women's rights! On 6-8th of March 2021 people from all over the world could join to watch an online edition of the festival where I presented my solo performance on the aerial hoop.OWACJE! Festival
/ 2nd Award at OWACJE! Festival in Julinek, Poland.The presented piece was first listed as one of the best performances and nominated for the final part. Together with the other 9 artists, I was invited to perform on stage at State School of Circus Arts in Julinek. For two days of the festival I was presenting MANTRAS 78’’ and in the result won 2nd place in the first edition of Contemporary Circus Festival “OWACJE!”.
Joanna Filipowska is a Polish interdisciplinary artist, architect, and lighting designer that works within crossing disciplines. Performing Arts. Circus. Spatial Design, and Visual Arts. Over the past 10 years has worked and performed in Europe, the Middle East, South America, and the United States.