virgilio sieni fondazione prada | Meanwhile, in Milan, Virgilio Sieni’s “Atlas of Gesture”

From September 18th to October 3rd, 2015, Fondazione Prada in Milan transformed into a living, breathing atlas of human movement, hosting "Atlante del gesto" (Atlas of Gesture), a captivating series of choreographic actions conceived by the visionary Italian choreographer Virgilio Sieni. This ambitious project was more than just a dance performance; it was an immersive exploration of the human body, its potential for expression, and its connection to space, time, and the surrounding environment. Sieni, renowned for his profound engagement with the human form and his ability to distill movement into its most essential elements, created a unique dialogue with the architecture of Fondazione Prada, blurring the lines between art, performance, and everyday life.

Atlante del gesto – Fondazione Prada: A Choreographic Exploration of Space and Being

"Atlante del gesto" was not a singular performance, but rather a collection of distinct yet interconnected choreographic actions, each designed to illuminate a different facet of human movement and interaction. Sieni meticulously crafted these actions to respond to the specific architectural qualities of Fondazione Prada, creating a dynamic interplay between the dancers and the building's unique spaces. The project unfolded across various locations within the Fondazione, including courtyards, galleries, and passageways, transforming the entire venue into a stage for exploring the poetry of gesture.

The core concept of "Atlante del gesto" revolved around the idea of the body as a landscape, a territory to be explored and mapped. Sieni's choreography emphasized the subtle nuances of movement, focusing on the intricate details of posture, balance, and the shifting weight of the body. He sought to reveal the inherent intelligence of the body, its ability to communicate and express emotions without relying on conventional narratives or theatrical conventions. The dancers, drawn from diverse backgrounds and age groups, became vessels for exploring the universal language of movement, inviting audiences to connect with their own embodied experiences.

One of the most striking aspects of "Atlante del gesto" was its emphasis on improvisation and spontaneity. While Sieni provided a framework for each action, the dancers were encouraged to respond to the environment and to each other in real-time, creating a sense of immediacy and authenticity. This element of improvisation allowed for unexpected moments of beauty and connection to emerge, making each performance unique and unpredictable.

The project also incorporated elements of audience participation, inviting viewers to actively engage with the choreography. In some actions, audience members were invited to move alongside the dancers, blurring the line between performer and spectator. This participatory approach fostered a sense of shared experience and encouraged audiences to become more aware of their own bodies and their relationship to space.

"Atlante del gesto" resonated deeply with audiences, prompting them to reconsider their understanding of dance and its potential to connect with the human experience. The project demonstrated Sieni's mastery of choreographic form and his ability to create deeply moving and thought-provoking works that transcend traditional boundaries. It solidified his reputation as one of Italy's most innovative and influential contemporary choreographers.

VIRGILIO SIENI: A Choreographer of Profound Sensitivity

Virgilio Sieni is a choreographer whose work is characterized by a profound sensitivity to the human body and its potential for expression. Born in Florence, Italy, he has dedicated his career to exploring the nuances of movement, creating works that are both visually stunning and deeply emotionally resonant. Sieni's choreographic language is rooted in a deep understanding of anatomy, physics, and the history of dance, but he also draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including visual arts, music, and philosophy.

Sieni's artistic vision is driven by a desire to connect with the essence of human experience, to reveal the beauty and complexity of the body in its most natural state. He often works with dancers of diverse backgrounds and abilities, including non-professional performers, believing that everyone has the potential to express themselves through movement. His collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and inclusivity, creating works that are both deeply personal and universally accessible.virgilio sieni fondazione prada

Throughout his career, Sieni has created a vast and diverse body of work, ranging from intimate solo performances to large-scale site-specific installations. His works have been presented at prestigious venues around the world, including the Venice Biennale, the Avignon Festival, and the Lincoln Center Festival in New York. He has also collaborated with leading artists and institutions, including the Louvre Museum, the Hermitage Museum, and the Fondazione Prada.

Sieni's work is not simply about creating aesthetically pleasing movements; it is about exploring the deeper meanings and emotions that are embodied in the human form. He sees the body as a site of knowledge, a repository of memories, and a vehicle for expressing the complexities of human existence. His choreography invites audiences to connect with their own bodies and to experience the world in a more visceral and embodied way.

AURA: Exploring the Essence of Touch and Connection

The concept of "Aura" is central to understanding Sieni's artistic philosophy and his approach to choreography. For Sieni, "aura" refers to the subtle energy field that surrounds each individual, a unique and intangible presence that emanates from the body. He believes that this aura is not merely a physical phenomenon, but also a reflection of a person's inner state, their emotions, and their experiences.