Lynx
Astrit Ismaili explores the possibilities of ‘being as becoming’ within the realm of performance. In alter egos, body extensions and wearable musical instruments, they think of, about and through the body: as it transforms and is transformed, as it moves, makes sound and makes contact, as it extends and exceeds itself, reaching out to and touching the other. Ismaili, born in Kosovo, received their master’s in Performance at DasArts in Amsterdam.
Julidans
Extended / Julidans NL
Run time 80 minutes
Location Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
In the performance LYNX, the artist works with newly designed musical instruments consisting of long threads conjoining performers with metal sculptures and repositories of sound. By unwinding these threads, performers activate a plethora of sound fragments sourced from art, popular culture and politics. Using their voices the performers intertwine these sounds with original songs composed by the artist. As a result, an ever-shifting constellation of strings and a cacophony of sounds emerges. ‘Materializing’ the sounds in space these threads create physical borders for performers and viewers alike.-|-LYNX brings together songs and sonic materials touching upon themes of melancholy and violence, restriction and resistance, desire and perseverance – taking cue from the nearly extinct Balkan lynx. Posing vital questions about geopolitical borders, the performance-installation is punctuated by high-camp choreography and songs delivered by an all-star cast.
LYNX successfully premiered in 2022 at the 14th edition of Manifesta, the European Nomadic Biennial, in Prishtina, Kosovo.
CREDITS
Concept, composition, direction, text Astrit Ismaili
Sound composition and engineering Leroy Chaar, with support by Fabian Reichle
Performance, choreography Astrit Ismaili, Blerta Ismaili, Agnes Nokshiqi, Billy Morgan, Logan Muamba Ndanou
Instrument concept, design and construction Astrit Ismaili, Mihalis Shammas, Michele Abolaffio-|-
Production and advisor Titus Nouwens
Garments Flaka Jahaj
Production sculptures Autostrada Hangar
Supported by Manifesta 14, Autostrada Biennale, BAU, BijlmAIR
