Link to postcard: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chubrub/6190705650/
Link to trailer #1: http://vimeo.com/29775195
Link to trailer #2: http://vimeo.com/30214701
LOOSE: A DOCUMENTARY PERFORMANCE, A MULTIMEDIA INSTALLATION & AN EXPERIENCE
This experimental documentary project will be a performed, theoretically based, personal exploration of gender//queer identity construction, race and self-expression. Within this exploration of identity, I am developing a concept of remixing as a process of identity construction, and I am specifically interested in how we appropriate images and how we might apply them mentally and physically as we transition.
The issues I want to discuss are passing, navigating public space, and existing in between gender. My hope is to replicate to the audience, how it feels to disconnect and reconnect with one’s body and mind by using people’s personal stories and images.
By using non-linear documentary production to explore issues of gender identity, sexuality and race – the content that directly relates to my life experience - I can then utilize the remix form to create a vibrant, immersive space in a club, gallery or museum setting that further enhances the performance and installation aspect of this piece.
My search for truth and my motivation to express myself are what makes me who I am But this isn’t just about me. I feel compelled to capture the moment when someone says, “enough is enough” and pursues their desire to be a fully realized human being. I’m not simply looking for validation, because I don’t think that is necessary; I’m more interested in getting at the heart of what it means to be truly free.
SHOOTING FROM SEPTEMBER, 2011 – MARCH, 2012BIO:
D’hana Perry is a DJ and candidate for an MFA in Media Art at Emerson college. In 1999, s/he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a B.A. in Sociology and Urban Studies. While working in public policy and public health, s/he established Chubrub Productions to bridge the gap between nightlife and critical theory. Perry came of age as a DJ in Boston’s queer nightlife scene and has evolved, transcending expectations and catering to a wide range of diverse crowds.
S/he was nominated as best DJ in the 2010 Boston Phoenix Reader’s Poll, and the recently released mixtape NU LIFE Vol. 1, has garnered attention from Fader Magazine, and Discobelle among other notable online publications. Perry has worked with rising stars in global bass and house music, queer culture icons and media studies mavens including:
NGUZUNGUZU (Fade to Mind)
Total Freedom (Fade to Mind/Wildness)
Robyn (Interscope Records)
Kim Ann Foxman (Hercules and Love Affair/Mr. Int’l)
DJ Dirty Jean (Bassment NYC)
M.E.N. (JD Sampson and Joanna Fateman of Le Tigre)
Kingdom (Fool’s Gold/Night Slugs/Fade to Mind)
VenusX (CLEAR/Ghe20 G0th1k NYC)
Physical Therapy (Ghe20 G0th1k NYC)
Wayne&Wax (Beat Research)
DJ Ripley (Surya Dub SF)
Lauren Flax (Creep)
Lonewolf (DuttyArtz)
Dave Quam (It’s After the End of the World)
Amos Mac & Katastrophe (Original Plumbing Magazine)
Actor Slash Model (Riot Acts)
The Together Electronic Music Festival
ARTIST STATEMENT:
I have constructed my life around my various identities in order to safely navigate public and private spaces, and my work reflects this daily adventure. Outside of my “queer bubble” (e.g. corporate settings, rest stops, visiting family, etc.) being androgynous, queer, and black usually requires the routine of compartmentalizing and closeting my various identities when the need or desire arises.
My principal mode of artistic expression has always been through music, but I am equally inspired by street and contemporary art as well.
My work explores liminal identity construction, gender/racial performance and self-expression, blending the practices of documentary production and live digital DJ/VJ remixing techniques native to club culture. Within this exploration of identity, I am working with a concept of remixing as a mode of existence and survival, in which we turn everyday interactions into a creative act.
