AVATAR
Video, audio and performance: Freya Bjorg Olafson

Lighting Design: Hugh Conacher
Costume: Norma Lachance

Canadian Premiere October 15 ~ 18th, 2009
co-presentation between Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers, nuna (now) and Freya Olafson

The AVATAR series explores methods of creating, validating and disseminating one’s identity through the use of technology and the Internet. The work is inspired by the mantra “I post therefore I am”, whereby Internet users legitimize their existence by documenting their lives and uploading this media to personal webpages and blogs. Through AVATAR I am facilitating an inquiry into our desire to share and publicize our lives. This series in progress has manifested in 11″x14″ paintings / drawings, a performance, installation, videos and a collaboration with new media artist Pierre Andrieux. In Fall 2009 Winnipeg will be host to the premiere of a solo performance as part of the AVATAR series investigating the themes of virtuality, identity and technology. To date excerpts of this developing body of work have been performed at InterAccess Electronic Media Arts Center (Toronto), Studio 303 (Montreal), PAF ~ Performing Arts Forum (France) and Kling&Bang Galleri (Iceland).