Katie Shulman

Bob and Weave captures the intimacy and vulnerability present in a nascent relationship conveyed through performative actions.  These negotiated “dances” of bodies and objects are presented in larger-than-life video projection, with Shulman’s textile forms lending tactile presence to the environment.

With this new work, textile forms become conduits for improvisational movement that notably relies on focused responses to a partner’s impulses. It is an action/reaction series of unpredictable gestures, punctuated by expansive moments of pause. The final form of the videos are minimally edited to capture the pair’s spontaneity, while also providing space for viewers to engage in the immediacy of the moments.

Using light and site-specificity in their process, Manos and Shulman’s videos evoke shadow-puppetry with forms silhouetted by the sunlit glass brick wall of the Boyer-Campbell building. Bodies and objects create surprising and precarious expressions and shapes offering tender moments of female companionship. 

In her solo practice, Shulman’s materials are her companions. Working primarily with textiles, she winds, twists, and knits flat fibers into forms to create body-like abstract shapes using a variety of materials including elastic bra strapping and wrapped wire. 

Manos has honed her physical body to operate as an activation tool engaging with objects and structures to interrogate the human/technology interface and the joyful awkwardness of everyday encounters.