Dance Scene: New York City: "Naked: A Living Installation"

March 29th-April 9th at the Baryshnikov Arts Center

(Eiko and Koma in "Naked", photo by Anna Lee Campbell)

As the elevator doors open to the sixth floor, silence greeted those who came to see Eiko and Koma in "Naked." One immediately gets the sense that they are in a special "place," a space with an energy that affects each viewer differently. The exhibition takes place in two rooms: Studio 6A (where Eiko and Koma are) and Studio 6B (where there are video boxes of five of their works).

When one enters Studio 6A, one is not immediately exposed to the performers, rather a huge curtain with burnt holes, feathers, and sea salt separately the viewer from the actual living installation. Through the random holes on the curtain, one can peep in at Eiko and Koma at different angles. The entire performance space is designed by Eiko and Koma, and opposite the curtain are three paintings done by Koma. There are low benches and cushions on the floor for viewers to sit on and watch the performers. Some viewers had sketch pads and notebooks in their hands, while others watched with extreme intensity--all were mesmerized by Eiko and Koma. They laid on a bed of soil and feathers, as if it were their nest. The lighting shifts from dim to nonexistent, and all one can hear is the drip drop of water from the ceiling and the slight shuffling of twigs and feathers beneath the performers' bodies.

The aesthetic tension that Eiko and Koma create with every subtle movement engages the audience's to the fullest. It was as if they were hibernating, moving ever so slightly. Sometimes they would touch, and it seemed to be the most delicate and gentle touch a human being could ever give to another. I wondered about what this space is that they are embodying. No doubt it means something different to each viewer, but to me it seemed like the safest, purest, and most peaceful place in the world. The sustained quality to their movements makes one feel like time is suspended. It seemed like Eiko and Koma are waiting, resting, and dreaming in this space. Watching them, I felt invited into their space.

I visited the exhibition two days in a row this past weekend, and I had completely different experiences each time. I viewed Eiko and Koma from a different angle on my second visit and noticed different details. However,one thing that was consistent was the feeling of peace.