When I first got into the world of body suspension, there were a few “big names” in the scene, and one of them was Steve Joyner’s Constructs of Ritual Evolution. They are the first ever troupe to have incorporated body suspension into larger scale ritual performance, and were well ahead of their time when they started out in the early 2000s. Largely underground, one generally has to be in the know about them in San Fransisco and/or Los Angeles to catch one of their shows.
Here is there mission statement:
“It is our intent to create original and physically demanding works of theatre by blending the practice of performance art with extreme rituals both modern and ancient.
We in CoRE have suspended our own concept of physical limitation, pierced the heart of our fears, and transcended the boundaries of social convention in order to further the understanding of the corporeal and spiritual being. Ritualistic acts combined with traditional performance art and theatre provide us with a new outlet for artistic expression that enables the audience to join us on our emotional journey. By pushing our own boundaries in life and art, we inspire others to explore their own.”
Following is from a performance titled “Puja,” with the late Fakir Musafar, that I actually got to be a part of. I’m one of the two facilitators involved with the lotus suspension in the center; the other one being the most excellent Havve Fjell. Many thanks to CoRE for having me be a part of this; it feels like a lifetime ago. I think I borrowed Steve’s pants for this one actually 😅.
CoRE was the first group to inspire me to pursue more theatrical performance, as well as visit occult themed work in combination with the geometric aesthetics I explore in my more advanced projects. Having gotten to meet, and become friends with the founder, Steve Joyner, has had a very positive impact on my approach to the medium. Maybe I can get him on my podcast in 2023…
New podcast this Wednesday with the amazeballs GŁOWA. He makes some of my favorite dark art I have discovered through the NFT art community, and is one of the most down to earth folks I’ve met. Big insights on what influences his work! Don’t miss it.