Rediscovering the self. Queer, fluid, free.
Learn morePerformance art, 2023-present
RIFLESSO is the performative research of HOLYDAVID. This project, rooted in the deep traditions of the drag and queer worlds, is distinguished by its ability to transform the stage into a space of complete expressive freedom and identity reflection, allowing spectators the opportunity to come into complete physical and concrete contact with their own reflection, the site of projections of their own selves.
THE SELF, IDENTITY, FLUIDITY AND SACREDNESS OF THE SELF
BY GIVING A PHYSICAL BODY TO HIS OWN REFLECTION, HOLYDAVID TRIGGERS A PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL SHORT-CIRCUIT. ONE'S IDENTITY AND SELF, USUALLY RELEGATED TO THE WORLD OF THE MIND AND MENTAL IMAGES, BECOMES AN EXTERNAL BODY THAT ONE CAN TOUCH, EMBRACE, AND REJECT.
TEORIA QUEER DELL'IDENTITÀ, MINDFUL INTERBEING MIRROR THERAPY, MONDO DRAG, LONG ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE
DO WE REALLY HAVE A PHYSICAL PERCEPTION OF WHO WE ARE? WHAT IF WE COULD PHYSICALLY INTERACT WITH OUR REFLECTION? CAN WE ENTER INTO PHYSICAL INTIMACY WITH OURSELVES AS WE ARE, WITHOUT AVATARS OR ADDITIONAL LAYERS?
The performance explores the self and its projection in the digital world, especially the alienation that comes from its commodification. The performer’s uses a mix of prosthetics and clothes to simulate a creepy but vulnerable being that participants can interact with.
This performance explores in a highly sacred and spiritual context the ritual power of acknowledging one's self and, with affection, embracing it. The core of the performance is uncovering the stem of the spiritual: the harmony with one’s self.
The performance was part of a queer celebration event and explores the projection of one's identity onto a proud, queer body to explore the power and fragility of self-esteem. The themes where the joy of life, the freedom of being true to themselves and being fierce. The performance was part of a one-of-a-kind drag experience that was never seen before in Trento.
The risk of basing a performance on audience interaction is considerable,
but HOLYDAVID's theme and approach inspired us greatly. In our
opinion, the work has great potential for development, and the underlying
concept is very rich and deep. The performance was very well received by
the people present, and the version was adapted to our space. We could
see the great sensitivity and care with which the presentation was
calibrated, the combination of action and music gave a sense of care and
tranquility.
That real non-place becomes concrete. It takes shape. That virtual self
embodied in the almost Kafkaesque guise of a glamorous cockroach,
no longer lying on the armor of its back but erect on fetish heels and with
legs transformed into tentacle-length phalanges, is the mirror of our
metaverse being. No female. No male. No gender. Classifying
boundaries crumble to initiate, or rather to begin our visions to a future
without stain, absent of guilt wielded by cultural dogmas. We are as we
are. But are we afraid of it? The dances open. Mirroring invokes
Dionysus in his reflected image of dual being. Without fear of darkness we
can access that altar on which the neon light illuminates our way to that
goal...without making us forget that there we will find another threshold to
look out on.
Develop a queer and free performance with HOLYDAVID or collaborate on an event or art project that explores identity, self, and interconnectedness with the world.