For over four decades, Shelley Lasica has experimented with the possibilities of choreography, examining the relationships it holds with other disciplines – including visual art, architecture, fashion, theatre and literature – as well as the many and varied contexts in which it can occur. Her work has been presented in nightclubs, rehearsal rooms, outdoor public spaces, sports halls, theatres and galleries.

In her new work WHEN I AM NOT THERE, Lasica has created an evolving, dynamic performance–exhibition with choreography, costumes, paintings, sculpture, videos, texts and soundscapes that extend from her archive of past works. Performed by eight dancers, including Lasica, the work unfolds across two weeks for the duration of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ opening hours and offers visitors a new encounter each day.

Drawing into question what it means ‘to perform’ and ‘to exhibit’, the work sees the dancers and objects in constant negotiation with each other, the space, and visitors. Indeed, Lasica’s choreography reveals the inherent mutability of not only dance but of all artforms. It creates a network of relationships – connections are always happening.

WHEN I AM NOT THERE 2022 has been co-commissioned by the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Monash University Museum of Art, Melbourne, and supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council and the Art Gallery of New South Wales support partner Atelier.

WHEN I AM NOT THERE is part of Precarious Movements: Choreography and the Museum, an Australian Research Council Linkage Project hosted by The University of New South Wales, in partnership with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Monash University Museum of Art, National Gallery of Victoria, Tate UK and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.

^{Image: Shelley Lasica, WHEN I AM NOT THERE 2022, Monash University Museum of Art, Melbourne, 16–27 August 2022. Photo: Jacqui Shelton}

Acknowledgements:

Shelley Lasica: WHEN I AM NOT THERE is co-commissioned by Monash University Museum of Art, Melbourne, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council and the Art Gallery of New South Wales support partner Atelier.