Figure Studies

Palais des Beaux Arts, Brussels / 2018

In Figure Studies, Ondrejcak considers a new iteration of traditional portraiture in which various cultures, histories and aesthetics are fused into a complex cast of characters. This 60-minute performative installation features 12 sculptures on simple white museum pedestals, re-envisioning old allegories for our contemporary world. Hope, Fame, Courage, Chastity, War, Love, Folly - how do these archetypes manifest in our interconnected, global economy?

Costumes made in collaboration with artisans in Mali, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Haiti and Afghanistan through The Ethical Fashion Initiative, a flagship programme of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. EFI advocates a fairer global fashion industry.

Figure Studies was developed at residencies in Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and Palais des Beaux Arts, Brussels.

Commissioned by Ethical Fashion Initiative
Created by Andrew Ondrejcak
Produced by Chloe Mukai
Produced and Assisted by Marie van Eersel
Costume Assistant: Baille Younkman
Technical Director: Cedric Orban

Performed by:
Doris Bokongo Nkumu
Elie Tass
Kalieaswari Srinivasan
Kosi Hidama
Leila Burnotte
Lila Magnin
Nathalie Bokongo Nkumu
Pitcho Womba Konga
Sabri Saad El Hamus