Wed 4/24-Sun 4/28
If we say “Nick Cave” you might think of the rock band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. But there’s another Nick Cave, a dancer and artist who releases herds of dancing “horses” covered with brightly colored synthetic raffia in site-specific works across the U.S.
The youngest of seven boys, raised by a single mother in limited economic circumstances, Cave grew up repairing hand-me-downs from his older brothers, developing skills that contributed years later to his Soundsuits, sculptural costumes influenced by African art tradition, currently on view at the Akron Art Museum in feat.
After high school, Cave pursued his interests in art and performance as he studied at Kansas City Art Institute and Cranbrook Academy of Art. In 1979 he met Alvin Ailey and subsequently spent several summers studying dance at the Ailey School in New York, New York.
He’s currently on the faculty of the Art Institute of Chicago where he heads the Graduate Program of the Fashion Department. On his website and elsewhere, he describes himself as an “uncategorizable” artist, a messenger using his work as an impetus for change in the community at large. For video of Cave’s Soundsuits in action, search “Nick Cave Artist” or go here.
HEARD.AKRON, sponsored by the Akron Art Museum, allows locals to see what his “Soundsuits” are like in action. It includes open rehearsals as well as performances. Seating is limited and SLCC rehearsals and performances will give priority access to Summit Lake and Park East residents.
Open Rehearsal Wed 4/24 @ 9am-1pm; Brown Bag Discussion with Cave @ 1-1:30pm, and Open Dress Rehearsal @ 1:30-5:30pm at Summit Lake Community Center, 380 W. Crosier St., Akron.
Open Dress Rehearsal Fri 4/26 @ 9am-1pm & 1:30-5:30pm at SLCC.
Performance HEARD.AKRON Sat 4/27 @ noon at SLCC. Free but with limited seating, priority given to Park East and Summit Lake residents.
Performance HEARD.AKRON, Sun 4/28 @ 2pm at the Akron Art Museum. The performance will be followed by a reception and a 3pm workshop with Will Gill. Free on a first-come/first-served basis. For more information go to AkronArtMuseum.
[Written by Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas]
Akron, OH 44308