Choreographer Eric Oberdorff inaugurated the exhibition “On My Skin” at the Annexe gallery, opposite the Palais Lascaris. You can discover it until May 17, 2019.
“Art is what remains when a civilization disappears. It is the guardian of its memory, the power of imagination, and the capacity to create the men and women who made it up. The artist places in their works the perspective they have of the world, accompanied by their doubts, questions, observations, and critiques,” writes Eric Oberdorff in the introduction of the exhibition booklet.
“On My Skin” brings together a series of photographs featuring the inmates of the Nice prison. By using black and white, with close-up shots, the artist invites us to scrutinize the bodily details and distinctive marks of these women. It is not insignificant, as the exhibition is part of the cycle “TRACES“, imagined by the choreographer, questioning the memory and traces left on the body.
“We organized choreography workshops with the inmates. The goal was to allow them to reconnect with their body scheme by detaching from the senses. What emerges deeply moves them, but rekindles a sense of self-esteem,” explains the artist.
The faces, while not entirely absent, are not at the forefront. What is important are the tattoos, scars, and a general posture captured by the camera.
“We realized there were very few projects with women in prison, despite their large numbers. This work also allowed them to be highlighted,” notes Eric Oberdorff.
The Compagnie Humaine, directed by the choreographer, was founded in 2002 and brings together artists from different backgrounds. It carries out multidisciplinary projects, always placing human beings at the center of attention.
This exhibition, cleverly blending dance and photography in the prison environment, perfectly illustrates the goals of the Company.
