FKA twigs' creation shakes up London auction house

Body movement art aims to help people reconnect with their lives


Reuters September 15, 2024
FKA twigs said the moves were choreographed to tackle aspects of living critical to her own

print-news
LONDON:

At Sotheby's in London, a group of people are taking turns to swing their arms, thrust their hips and twist their bodies on the floor, as part of a performance artwork created by British singer-songwriter FKA twigs.

Called The Eleven, it is performed by a rotating group of 11 individuals making 11 distinct movements on repeat as a DJ nearby blasts out techno.

FKA twigs, whose real name is Tahliah Barnett, said the moves were choreographed to tackle 11 aspects of living she said were critical to her own well-being, from artistic creation and simplicity to self-awareness and nature. For the 280-year-old auction house, the performance represents uncharted territory.

Sotheby's hopes it will help it reach newer audiences and the "next generation of collectors," Lisa Stevenson, director of contemporary art, said.

By making the movements, FKA twigs believes people can reconnect to their lives and bodies and disconnect from distractions such as social media.

"I started doing it myself and it works so I decided to create something here at Sotheby's everybody could enjoy and hopefully take something away from," she told Reuters on Friday after the unveiling of the artwork.

For the 280-year-old auction house, the performance represents uncharted territory.

Sotheby's hopes it will help it reach newer audiences and the "next generation of collectors," Lisa Stevenson, director of contemporary art, said.

By making the movements FKA twigs believes people can reconnect to their lives and bodies and disconnect from distractions such as social media.

"I started doing it myself and it works so I decided to create something here at Sotheby's everybody could enjoy and hopefully take something away from," she told Reuters on Friday after the unveiling of the artwork. Reuters

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ