The City in Between features Performances by Didier Morelli that focus on the intersections between the urban environment and Chicago’s architectural history. Through various architectural constructs, Morelli looks to shift habitual functionalist relationships and spatial-identities through ordinary human gestures. These performances will transform, challenge, and question the spatial poetics of both interior and exterior spaces. The artist will unpack and examine notions of how performance (art) and public space intercept and collide in contemporary and historical discourse and practice. Morelli’s PHD subject at Northwestern University, in the department of Performance Studies, examines performance artists in dialogue with built environments. Morelli wishes to explore Chicago’s unique architectural history as a site of performative action.
Biography of Speaker/Presenter:
Didier Morelli
As an interdisciplinary artist, Didier Morelli combines his performance practice with academic research. In 2013 he had a solo exhibition at Katharine Mulherin Gallery (Toronto, Canada). He participated in the 2012 edition of the Scotiabank Toronto Nuit Blanche at Whippersnapper Gallery, as well as the 2014 edition of the Performance Arcade (Wellington, New Zealand). Based in Chicago, he is currently a PhD candidate in Performance Studies at Northwestern University. Please visit www.didiermorelli.com.
Defibrillator Gallery is partially supported by grants from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council Agency, and an Anonymous Donor.