Every year, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago presents On Stage, showcasing three performance artists who explore the transformative power of friction and productive resistance within a racially constructed society. Among the three artists, Barak adé Soleil's SHIFT, presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago from May 6 through June 19, is a thought-provoking installation work that presents disabled bodies by encompassing their occupation of the museum's physical and digital realms. With its innovative video artwork and performance, SHIFT offers a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Barak adé Soleil (he/they) is a multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, and performer known for their innovative work in the fields of dance and performance. They have a unique artistic practice that explores the intersection of movement, identity, and disability. Through their performances, Soleil challenges traditional notions of dance and expands the representation and visibility of Black neurodiverse and disabled bodies. Their work often incorporates elements of improvisation, collaboration, and multimedia, creating thought-provoking experiences for audiences.
SHIFT is a newly commission that consists of a live performance in addition to a video display in one of the MCA's public stairwells. The presence of Black neurodiverse and disabled bodies permeates a spiral stairwell inside the museum in the dreamlike video work. There, they are depicted from numerous angles and at various scales, both at rest and as they fluctuate. The installation by adé Soleil challenges the media's frequently violent perception of these bodies as indolent or near death and offers rest and the common movements of these bodies as instruments of political resistance for Black people.
Alongside this video installation, the live performance event took place on May 7th, positioned on the staircase leading to the main entrance of MCA, involving members of the disability community. This not only represents disability but also implies the accessibility and flow of the museum.
The museum provided ASL interpretation for this event, as well as audio descriptions. The audio descriptions were not only available through the museum's devices but also made accessible to anyone by scanning a QR code using their own mobile phones. Additionally, portable chairs were provided to ensure that visitors could comfortably sit and observe the live performance. According to the website, there are designated areas for wheelchair and mobility device users on the staircase landings, but it was hard to find before I asked.
There is no doubt that the live performance concluded successfully. However, I had doubts about the accessibility of the video installation located on the spiral staircase within the museum and the efforts made by MCA. While it could be the artist's intention, the video work positioned to see from above may induce dizziness and make it challenging for viewers to fully appreciate the artwork no matter the audience's disability. Additionally, I questioned whether the people using wheelchairs would be able to appreciate the artwork from the staircase. Accessing the staircase would be difficult and risky for them. Moreover, their eye level is lower than that of individuals not using wheelchairs, making it difficult to have a clear view of the artwork situated beyond the railing of the staircase.
Barak adé Soleil's SHIFT shows a clear vision regarding the artist's identity, race, and disability. The artist stimulates viewers' thoughts and challenges their preconceptions, inviting them to actively participate in the intriguing discomfort that arises from the artwork.