‘movement & meditation’: An artist’s representation of our present moment

The “movement and meditation” art exhibit in Providence utilizes photography and dance to capture the emotions invoked by living during COVID-19. Photos by Ian Travis Barnard.

A still photograph of a ballerina; bound by the governance of form, arms held designedly over head, looking down towards an untold depth.

The world has adopted a “new normal” during the COVID-19 pandemic that has undoubtedly reshaped our routine and, in doing so, provoked unfamiliar emotions. Ian Travis Barnard, head of visual media for The Avenue Concept in Providence, has created a symbolic representation of these emotions in his exhibition titled “movement & meditation.” A series of photographs of dancers, movement & meditation displays bodies in motion performed by the dancers themselves, personifying the many emotions that have been the result of our new normal.

In his role as head of visual media, Barnard’s primary involvement includes conducting interviews with artists and documenting the “behind the scenes” experience. However, his contribution as an accomplished photographer was enthusiastically welcomed by the exhibit partners, Paolino Properties and Festival Ballet Providence.

The use of lower-case lettering in the gallery’s title was an intentional choice according to Sara Mintz, strategic partnerships manager for The Avenue Concept. Although we do not have a direct explanation from Barnard, Mintz hypothesizes that the choice could be a product of the gallery’s accordance with simplicity. 

Mintz offered her description of the display as an “exploration of the present moment.” The interpretation of bodies in motion requires a different lens now. movement & meditation engages with an evolved artistic focus, seeking to capture life in isolation and the sentiment that we are “together in experience, but physically apart.”  

movement & meditation displays an inclusive representation of the varied feelings and attitudes originating from changes brought on by the pandemic, offering a visual representation of these intangible emotions through photography.

“Though some people view this time as an opportunity to reflect, others feel that many things were lost,” Mintz said, reminded that the perceptive response of those affected by the pandemic is not universal.

“I’ve always been compelled to capture bodies in motion,” said Barnard in a statement on theavenueconcept.org. “Aside from being flexible and powerful, the body, when engaged in motion, can be incredibly expressive.” 

The exhibition is currently located at the Avenue Concept in Providence. Due to safety restrictions, viewers are advised to access movement & meditation through visiting the display’s page on theavenueconcept.org, where it will be on virtual display through June 2021.  It is likely that the gallery will be renewed for an additional six months, and, with hope, viewers will be able to visit movement & meditation in-person, and experience the art in its physical form.

The Avenue Concept welcomes the involvement of local artists and accepts portfolios, projects, biographies and other artistic submissions through their website.  If you are interested in participating in a public art display or residency, please visit theavenueconcept.org and explore the “Programs” tab. More about The Avenue Concept can also be found on their instagram page, @avenuepvd.