Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory: Avatini Oqaatsit/Words at the limbs
Curated by Troy Gronsdahl, Associate Curator (Live Programs)
A visual interplay of handwritten words forms a score for vocal play and Uaajeerneq in Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory’s new web commission, Avatini Oqaatsit/Words at the limbs. Created in collaboration with filmmaker Jamie Griffiths, the performance takes place at an off-grid cabin located 23 kilometers outside of Iqaluit. The soundtrack was created by Celina Kalluk and Williamson-Bathory, using her handwritten key words as a reference for vocalization.
Through performance, collaborative projects, writing and curatorial work, Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory situates transcustomary Inuit cultural practice within a highly personal and political context. Uaajeerneq—Greenlandic mask dancing—forms the core of her practice. It is a provocative and improvised performance practice that explores themes of sexuality, fear, humour and the limits of human knowledge.
Williamson-Bathory’s work is well-known in Canada and the circumpolar world. She has performed and presented her work at arts centres, galleries and museums across the country including recent projects at the Art Gallery of Ontario; Chan Centre, Vancouver; Canadian Stage, Toronto; Plug In ICA, Winnipeg; Concordia University, Montreal; among others. Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory lives and works in Iqaluit.