Bill Viola inspired dance Exeter College - Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Inspired by Bill Viola’s exhibition at RAMM, UAL full time diploma dance students will be wearing skirts created by A Level textiles students and will be performing solos, duets and group pieces in response to the work that is exhibited.

The dancers have created solos, which will be performed in the nooks and crannies of RAMM, then dance and connect in duets with playful interactions. This culminates in a group section in the courtyard, using images from Medieval and Renaissance paintings, again referencing Bill Viola’s own creative process.

Textile students were given one of the three Bill Viola pieces to investigate which led to the creation of individual interpretations. Students used their developed themes to construct and embellish wrap skirts with consideration for movement an important factor. A variety of textile techniques were used on the skirts including machine embroidery, fabric painting, felt making, reverse appliqué and lino printing.

As a site-specific performance the dance students and audience alike will be challenged in their perceptions of where dance can be performed and viewed, and the proximity of audience to performer.