London-born artist Millie Brown co-choreographs this powerfully minimalist performance shot by long-time NOWNESS collaborator Ivan Olita, which unfolds within James Turrell’s Above Horizons skyspace installation. The work is part of a new performance series made in collaboration with the MAK Centre of Art & Architecture, which explores the subject of the body and space.

This powerful pas-de-deux features Brown herself alongside contemporary dancer ROBI, and is based on the conceptual dialogue of an optimist battling metaphysical oppression—while journeying ultimately toward the light.  Brown, speaking about the raw embodiment of this work, explains: “The movement accentuates the connection and relationship of optimism and oppression from within ourselves, as the bodies move as two entities at once. At points they are in harmony, and sometimes in opposition, their bodies follow the light as it transitions across Turrell’s installation.”

"I directed the piece thinking about how these two bodies in space confront themselves, but ultimately also need to rely on each other to find balance" explains Olita, who captured Brown and ROBI's movement. "Once we stated shooting I realized it was a matter of equilibrium and harmony between the two. The more aggressive the movements and the physical confrontation became, the more they needed to rely on the support of each other in order not to hurt themselves. I loved that concept, this sort of controlled exercise of will that although it’s very present and loud it’s also inherently considerate of the other partner."

Bodies in space