Overview
Continuing to explore themes introduced through Sustainability Lab (May 1-8; June 2-12), Transformer was proud to introduce the DC debut of Cornfield, an installation and performance piece by artist Nancy Bannon.
Manifesting a life-size, fabricated cornfield within Transformer's project space, audiences were invited to consider uses and preservation of natural resources. Cornfield was a visual work consisting of a wall-to-wall field of seven-foot tall, sculpted corn stalks made of painted wood, wire and visqueen, along with projections and a surrounding soundscape. During intense performances, three live performers within the cornfield echoed the depletive qualities of the giant corn monoculture that is consuming America's agricultural tradition. Audiences directly experiencde the performances from within the installation at close proximity to the actors.
Nancy Bannon performed for many years as a dancer with Doug Varone, Tere O'Connor and Lar Lubavitch, and as an actor focusing mostly on the development of new work. She now creates her own interdisciplinary theater. Along with Cornfield, she is also known for The Pod Project, an installation of private, one-on-one performances originally at 20 Greene Gallery (NYC). Nancy is the recipient of three Princess Grace Awards and a 2001 New York Dance and Performance (Bessie) Award. She has served on the faculties of SUNY Purchase and Rutgers University and has taught independently throughout the U.S. Nancy is a graduate of The Juilliard School. This March, Nancy was invited to participate in a Philip Johnson Glass House Conversation along with filmmaker Darron Aronofsky, poet Erin Belieu, graphic designer Paula Scher, and others. This spring, the 92nd St. Y (NYC) will present her newest work, Drinking Ink.
