Tunings

Evolving out of an existing practice of experimental floral arrangements, Nemer has begun a research process into the creation of large scale, time-based floral compositions co-authoured by performers.


The process began through artistic dialogue and experimentation with dancer Stephen Thompson. The two explored methodologies for the expansion of Nemer’s floral aesthetics to involve human bodies. Videos of the process filmed by Carlos Franklin were edited into a series of “Études”, three of which were featured by Grand Union, Birmingham in a special web-based presentation.



The Études are accompanied by a text by curator Seán Elder, who followed the rehearsal process and curated a live staging of Tunings at the Birmingham International Dance Festival in 2021. The performance featured dancers Chanda John, Joey Taylor, and oboeist Louise Braithwaite.

The research process with Thompson continued in 2022, expanding the methods and aesthetics with the participation of dancer Fabrice Ramalingom and flautist Alexis Morel. Additional Études were filmed by Matt Frenot.

An arrangement of Étude videos and still photographs from the rehearsal process of Tunings was exhibited at Montréal’s Galerie de l’UQAM as part of the exhibition à corps perdu / sharing madness, curated by Maude Johnson and Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau.

A futher rehearsal process at the Milvus Artistic Research Center in Knislinge, Sweden with dancer Matteo Graziano and clarinettist Natalie Eriksson led to a live performance of Tunings at the Ystads konstmuseum, curated by Albin Hillervik.

The research and creation process of Tunings is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.