Working group:
Direction and video art: Sofi Häkkinen
Performer: Mari Kiviniemi
Music: Samuli Kivelä
Production: Recover Laboratory

Premiere:
2018, Helsinki

Supporters:
Taiteen Edistämiskeskus

Binary combines pole dancing, electronic music and video art. We wander towards a zero point where electronic sound, sliding video and the stretching and contracting of muscles merge in harmony. We experiment with different ways in which the human figure, sound and the digital haze of the video projector fit together, blending sensory perceptions. The elements react to each other to create a hypnotic image – not so much of an afab on a pole – but of a human being in a world swallowed up by ones and zeros.

The dancer’s body gropes around in the stream of images, searching for a place and a position to settle, feeling the sound and electric light flowing around him – and leaving no sign of his presence in the stream of ones and zeros. Only pure movement and this moment are important as the creature melts into a faceless digital swirl. There is always a chance to decide otherwise.

Kiviniemi’s background as a mathematician gives the work’s movement a calculating and precise overall feel. Mathematics, post-post-post-post-post anthropocene and the juxtaposition of soft and hard are present in the language of movement and the music and digital binary rain, that has a real hidden message in the ones and zeros.

The work has been performed in Helsinki at the Lavaklub of the National Theatre, Cirko – New Circus Centre Baltic Circus, Maunula Hall, Provinssirock and several private events.