Art. Community. Diversity.
PARADE BY LEÏLA ALICE AT WECANDANCE
PARADE by Leïla Alice @WECANDANCE
Inspired by light, darkness, the sun, and the moon, Leïla Alice's visual performance brought 22 performers to Zeebrugge beach for the WECANDANCE festival.
PARADE by Leïla Alice, also known as Lilo Soleil, is a mesmerizing visual poetry performance featured at the WECANDANCE festival in Zeebrugge in August 2024. Created in collaboration with The Constant Now, S.M.A.K. Beweegt, and supported by Vlaanderen, this production explores the duality of human nature—light and darkness, sun and moon—using the tarot deck as its narrative framework. The performance emphasizes personal reflection and transformation, inviting the audience to contemplate themes of resilience and self-discovery.
At its core, PARADE delves into the interplay of certainty and doubt, confidence and fear, encapsulating the complexities of the human experience. Featuring 22 performers, each representing one of the 22 major arcana from the tarot, the performance guides viewers on a journey of introspection and personal growth.
The choreography, by Brazilian artist Leticia Ferreira (P.A.R.T.S.), is a result of a personal exploration of solar and lunar energy, in response to Leïla Alice's conceptual framework. Leticia led the performers through a meditative process where each drew a tarot card defining their character. The groups then collaborated to create independent and collective figures, interpreting their cards with the support of Leïla Alice’s tarot research. This process culminated in a striking visual mirage, where sacred movements and personal interpretations brought the performance to life, creating a connection between the performers and the audience.
PARADE features a diverse ensemble of young artists of color, including performers
Arya K/NELL, Axelle Uwase, Boranovich, Ching Shu Huang, Esperanza, Haolin Huang, Jhaya Caupenne, Kiki Sauvaj, Krabz, Laëka, Le bleu des cieux, Leïla Alice, Leticia Oliveira Ferreira, Luz, Lyly Kuster, Maïté Onyeka Egeolu, Miló, Mycelcorps, Océane Aïssatou, Yuri Sakai, Zacquel Phipps.
Textile artists: BLACKMOON: ATELIER 11, Văn Hóa Studio.
Photography and videography: Awa Gaye, Club Magie, Nathan Mbouebe, Tadeskwa.
This rich collaboration between The Constant Now, S.M.A.K. Beweegt, and WECANDANCE is made possible with the support of Vlaanderen, ensuring a performance that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
‘Balancing Acts’ is a group exhibition and the final presentation of The Constant Now’s mentoring program POC POC 2 (2023-2024). It features works by artists Günbike Erdemir, Souhaïla Maalem, Diego Herman, Fatemeh Towhidloo, Brahim Tall, Diane Marie Uwase, and Shen Özdemir.
BALANCING ACTS is a group show and the final presentation of The Constant Now’s mentoring program POC POC 2. It features works by artists Günbike Erdemir, Souhaïla Maalem, Diego Herman, Fatemeh Towhidloo, Brahim Tall, Diane Marie Uwase, and Shen Özdemir. The exhibition runs until 8 September 2024 ember at NW in Aalst.
The exhibition brings together seven artists who explore the status of labor in contemporary society. Through video, painting, and installation, the show presents a diverse array of imagery that highlights various facets of work, including emotional and reproductive labor, domesticity, leisure time, sex work, and folklore.
The title evokes the interplay between different aspects of labor and life. It suggests the delicate equilibrium needed to navigate the complexities of work, personal well-being, societal expectations, and inclusivity. The title also implies the juggling act that artists perform in managing the demands of work, self-worth, and societal roles. By showcasing diverse voices and experiences, the exhibition aims to foster understanding and solidarity, advocating for a fairer and kinder society. It underscores the right to thrive in nurturing and supportive conditions and emphasizes the importance of acceptance in all areas of work that shape our lives and communities.
BALANCING ACTS is curated by Laura Herman and Godart Bakkers, artistic directors of NW in Aalst. POC POC is a mentoring program of The Constant Now, founded and coordinated by Magali Elali. POC POC 2 is supported by Flanders State of the Art and the development program of Kunsthal Gent for 2023-2024. Mentors are Sorana Munsya, Joachim Naudts, and Danielle van Zuijlen.
2023
6 min 10 sec
Talk: 14:00 - 15:00
07/03/2024 • 19:30-24:00 • Free
07/03/2024 • 19:30-24:00 • Free
About the Artist
Born in 1998, Leïla Alice is a transdisciplinary artist based in Brussels, expressing their authentic self through the persona of 'Lilo Soleil.' Leïla’s art is a kaleidoscope of makeup, voice, body, and words, reflecting their vibrant personality and narrative exploration. They have performed at Kiosk Radio, Zinnema, Bronks, Decoratelier, and Pianofabriek.
Photocredits
Awa Gaye
Nathan Mbouebe
Frabrice Oyedele
Liza Wolters
Wouter Maeckelberghe
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TALK + SHOW:
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Panellists: Déborah Claire (Dis Mon Nom), Sofia Dati (Beursschouwburg), Laura Nsengiyumva (artist)
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Moderator: Magali Elali (Artistic Director, The Constant Now)
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Artists: Günbike Erdemir, Diego Herman, Shen Ozdemir, Souhaila Maalem, Kapinga Muela Kabeya, Brahim Tall, Fatemeh Towhidloo, and Diane Marie Uwase
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Production: Fatemeh Towhidloo
Friday, April 19:
12:45: Doors open + free lunch
13:00 - 15:00: Panel talk 1
20:00 - 22:00: Panel talk 2
13:00 – 22:00: Show by POC POC artists
Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21
11:00 - 18:00: Show by POC POC artists
Speakers
Leana Boven (curator), Marie Gomis-Trezise (gallerist) and Guy Woueté (artist)
Moderator
Magali Elali (artistic director The Constant Now)
Artists
Fareed Aziz, Günbike Erdemir, Diego Herman, Kapinga Muela Kabeya, Fatemeh Towhidloo, and Diane Marie Uwase
DJ: Brahim Tall
Production: Fatemeh Towhidloo
Timeline
19:30: Doors open. Show and live performance by POC POC artists
20:00-22:00: Talk
22:00-24:00: Party with Brahim Tall