Artist Joiri Minaya, who resides in New York, introduced her performance series and installation entitled Venus Flytrap at Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Garden last summer. This site-specific series was curated by Dessane Lopez Cassell, a prominent writer and editor, and delved into the complex histories of freedom, resource extraction, and the relationship with nature at North America’s oldest botanical garden.
“The performance starts with an elegant pose and develops into a lively, carnival-like celebration, concluding with performers retreating into a large tree amidst vibrant, sail-like fabrics designed by the artist at the city’s Fabric Workshop and Museum,” noted Hrag Vartanian, Editor-at-Large for Hyperallergic, in his review published in May of the previous year. This engaging film, collaboratively directed by Joiri Minaya and filmmaker Xenia Matthews, captures the essence of creating and executing this new work.
Joiri Minaya explains, “The film transcends basic documentation, capturing a diverse ‘process’ that involves moving away from the conventional narrative, and reimagining concepts I have explored over the years. It portrays my current connection to this land, its history, and the diasporic experience, integrating the voices of the talented team of curators, movement artists, textile designers, and audio-visual professionals who contributed to shaping Venus Flytrap.”
Matthews expressed excitement about co-directing the film, saying, “Collaborating with Joiri and capturing her unique perspective during a new, experimental process was exhilarating.” The project was produced by BlackStar Projects and received significant support from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, along with the William Penn Foundation.
