Public Reception & Conversation: Social Video Art

This program brings together works by Pedro Lasch that are as varied as their settings. A pandemic dance party in Bogotá’s baroque Santa Clara convent gives way to an irreverent choreography in Bologna’s Anatomical Theater. Movements of abstract color merge with views of Venice and textual patterns with Embassy Row in the US Capital, both capturing voice recitals once presented there, four national anthems at once, all in the wrong language. A soon-to-be demolished ice rink in Charlottesville becomes the stage for fire sculptures and performances, leading to a participatory candle vigil on ice to honor the life of Heather Heyer. All works have been meticulously co-edited with Michael Blair to become video art in its own terms—as opposed to simply documenting Lasch’s social and site-specific art.