Basically
Basically is an ongoing live project whose exhibition format is a hybrid production space, residency space, school yard; a context to practice and perform within. Jagudajev’s collective, prefigurative practice is called re-schooling, coming together and sharing devotions. A reconstruction of what so many of us—some more than others—were deprived of as children: the laughter that fills the halls between classes, locker decorations and secrets underneath the bleachers. Re-schooling requires the input of many artistic practitioners, sharing with one another their most impassioned selves, sewing relational threads, building strong bonds with themselves and others.
Basically is structured as a choreographic game for several performers with interactive and playful rules. It includes nonlinear dance choreographies that fold in on themselves like portals through time, fugue-like contrapuntal guitar melodies, vocals and Ableton soundscapes, daily I Ching castings that locate the performers in a shifty universe, journal entries that become their textbook, Still Lifes, “crits” – art class crit turned oracle – and unscheduled time that leaves room for contingency. Jagudajev is currently developing a clothing line (Arcane Clothing) and a deck of cards (POWDER) as part of Basically worldbuilding. Visitors are invited into this shifting constellation. They become involved in making and remaking the environment; a sociality of difference.
Listen to the Basically album on Spotify. Released in 2022, it was featured on Salt Peanuts and Christina Vantzou’s Boomkat 2021, with Basically as her #7 pick of the year.
Watch a video of Basically in Shedhalle Zürich here.
Collaborators: The Class of the 21st Century (see credits below)
© Video by Saye Oyama, image edits by Salomon Leonard Poutsma
© Laila Kaletta, Performance view at Shedhalle as part of Protozone6: Are you coming?
© Nikima Jagudajev, Zoë Field
Credits
Creation, direction & choreography: Nikima Jagudajev Musical collaboration and technical direction: Jordan Balaber & Lester St. Louis Dance: Laurel Atwell, Matilda Cobanli, Lara Dâmaso, Emmanuel Diela Nkita, Ezra Fieremans, Hanako Hayakawa, Yevheniya Kravets, Ikenna Nwaogu, Shelmith Øseth, Louise Trueheart, Alexandra Tveit, Marie Ursin, Amalia Wiatr Lewis Music performance & movement: Bård Aarvik, Jordan Balaber, M I M I, Ashley Morgan, Salomon Poutsma, Julie Silset, Lester St. Louis, Amalia Wiatr Lewis Rehearsal direction and game development: Laurel Atwell, Louise Trueheart Graphic design: Laurel Atwell and Zoë Field Fabric design: Magnus Håland Sunde, Laura Stalleci, Louise Trueheart Videography: Salomon Poutsma, Marie Ursin Video editing: C. Oyama, Salomon Poutsma Basically album mixing and mastering engineer: Chris Pawlusek Musical contribution: June Jenkins, Amina Olsson Powder deck contribution: Laurel Atwell, Sanne Dodier, Nina Emge, Olivia Erlanger, Zoë Field, Polina Filipova, Padyn Humble, Abigail McNamara, C. Oyama, Ra Tack, nick von kleist (nvk), Maïra Villena, Petra Webb Production: Hiros Co-production: workspacebrussels, WIELS, Mumok Residencies: Decoratelier, kunstenfestivaldesarts2021, workspacebrussels, Im_flieger Wien, Frankfurt LAB, KAAP, Centre Pompidou, Dhaka Art Summit Partners: Bergen Kunsthall, Oktoberdans, BIT Teatergarasjen, Shedhalle Zurich, KAAP With the support of: Flemish Government, Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie, Re-imagine Europe, Phileas Foundation
Collaborators: The Class of the 21st Century: Bård Aarvik, Laurel Atwell, Jordan Balaber, Matilda Cobanli, Lara Dâmaso, Dounia Dolbec, Emmanuel Diela Nkita, Zöe Field, Ezra Fieremans, Magnus Håland Sunde, Hanako Hayakawa, June Jenkins, Yevheniya Kravets, M I M I, Ashley Morgan, Ikenna Nwaogu, Shelmith Øseth, Cody Oyama, Chris Pawlusek, Salomon Poutsma, Julie Silset, Lester St. Louis, Louise Trueheart, Alexandra Tveit, Marie Ursin, Nicoline Ursin, Amalia Wiatr Lewis and Stav Yeini