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Trisha Brown: Choreography as Visual Art

Glenn Hayes

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Trisha Brown is one of the most influential choreographers of the postwar era. Her work has been groundbreaking in its exploration of the relationship between dance and visual art. Brown's choreography is often characterized by its use of everyday movements, its focus on the body as a sculptural object, and its incorporation of non-traditional performance spaces.

Brown was born in 1936 in Aberdeen, Washington. She began her dance training at Mills College in Oakland, California, where she studied with Anna Halprin. In 1961, Brown moved to New York City, where she became a member of the Judson Dance Theater, a group of avant-garde dancers and choreographers who were experimenting with new forms of dance.

Trisha Brown: Choreography as Visual Art

by Susan Rosenberg

4.7 out of 5

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Brown's early work was influenced by the minimalist art movement. She created dances that were simple and repetitive, and that often used everyday objects as props. In her 1965 work "Man Walking Down the Side of a Building," Brown had a dancer walk down the side of a building, using only his hands and feet. The dance was a stunning visual spectacle that challenged traditional notions of what dance could be.

Brown's work continued to evolve throughout the 1970s and 1980s. She began to incorporate more complex movements into her dances, and she began to explore the use of technology in her work. In her 1981 work "Set and Reset," Brown used a computer to generate the movements for the dancers. The dance was a groundbreaking work that demonstrated the potential for technology to be used in dance.

Brown's work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant and the National Medal of Arts. Brown is considered one of the most important choreographers of the 20th century, and her work continues to influence dancers and choreographers today.

Brown's Choreographic Style

Brown's choreographic style is characterized by its use of everyday movements, its focus on the body as a sculptural object, and its incorporation of non-traditional performance spaces. Brown's dances are often simple and repetitive, and they often use everyday objects as props. In her 1965 work "Man Walking Down the Side of a Building," Brown had a dancer walk down the side of a building, using only his hands and feet. The dance was a stunning visual spectacle that challenged traditional notions of what dance could be.

Brown's work is also notable for its focus on the body as a sculptural object. She often uses the dancers' bodies to create abstract shapes and patterns. In her 1971 work "Accumulation," Brown had the dancers pile on top of each other, creating a human pyramid. The dance was a powerful and moving work that explored the relationship between the individual and the group.

Brown's work has been performed in a wide variety of non-traditional performance spaces, including rooftops, parking lots, and museums. She often chooses these spaces because they offer a unique and challenging environment for her dancers. In her 1979 work "Roof Piece," Brown had the dancers perform on the roof of a building. The dance was a breathtaking spectacle that offered a unique perspective of the city.

Brown's Influence

Brown's work has had a profound influence on dance and visual art. She has inspired countless dancers and choreographers to explore new forms of dance. Her work has also been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, and it has helped to break down the barriers between dance and visual art.

Brown is a true pioneer in the field of dance. Her work has challenged traditional notions of what dance can be, and it has opened up new possibilities for dance in the 21st century.

Trisha Brown is one of the most important choreographers of the 20th century. Her work has been groundbreaking in its exploration of the relationship between dance and visual art. Brown's choreography is often characterized by its use of everyday movements, its focus on the body as a sculptural object, and its incorporation of non-traditional performance spaces.

Brown is a true pioneer in the field of dance. Her work has challenged traditional notions of what dance can be, and it has opened up new possibilities for dance in the 21st century.

Trisha Brown: Choreography as Visual Art

by Susan Rosenberg

4.7 out of 5