I left my house at dawn and spent the day in transit. Two trains and two planes and I was delivered safely from New York to my old home of Savannah, Georgia, to attend the deFINE ART Festival at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Specifically, commissioned by my former school to photograph the artist Nick Cave and the preparation, as well as final presentation, of his “spoken-word, dance, DJ, music extravaganza”.
Had I not done my research, my first encounter with Cave would have been a routine introduction comprised of preliminary questions. “So, where are you from?” or “Where did you go to school?” Fortunately, I came prepared. Though I can accredit my knowledge exclusively to information obtained from a Google search, (after, of course, bypassing four or five pages devoted to the Australian heart-throb musician) I found these facts to be nonetheless enlightening in my education of the background of Cave and discovery of why, in fact, he is quite something of a heart throb himself.
Nick Cave is a Chicago based artist, performer, and designer most popularly known for his creation of sound suits. These sculptures, functioning as wearable works of art, may represent the most accurate understanding of Cave’s broad spectrum of talents as they are comprised of aspects of all media as well as facets of himself.
Therefore, regarding my first encounter, I was able to bypass the typical meet-and-greet and begin with the one question I wanted answered the most. When in fact could I try one of these suits ON?!
My eagerness to submerge in a sound suit is based on my suspicion that, encased in this vehicle, you become the instrument, you become the art, and essentially, you are comprised of all that is Nick Cave.
Therefore, I was not at all surprised to discover the unbridled excitement on the face of each performer selected for his show. While documenting their first rehearsal, I was delighted to observe such eager anticipation, (in spite of the fact that they were not even in costumes yet!)
Eager, and reciprocated, for Cave’s clever moves on the dance floor are not the extent of his admirers’ mimicry. These dancers look to their mentor and meet him with the exact same excitement and enthusiasm he exudes with every move. Eye to eye, the communication between the performers is a secret language. One that, although as a voyeur I cannot understand, I can still see the beauty of when expressed across the dance floor.
Each person in the room pirouettes across the floor, fueled by adrenaline and quenching only their thirst to perform. Exhausted from exertion, the dancers gather around Cave as they hydrate with bottles of water. I drink one as well. I feel parched just from watching, and we have a long week ahead of us in preparation for the final event.
Cave and his entourage of SCAD students and community participants will perform a special multimedia event on Saturday, November 14th, from 8-9 pm in the Hamilton Hall Parking Lot. (522 Indian Street, Savannah, GA).
Until then, check back for more pictures, audio, video, and inside information as we rehearse for the big day. And cross your fingers, maybe I’ll even get to wear a suit!!!
