Jamie Isenstein: Infinite Invisible Soft-Shoe
Apr 4, 2016

A spotlight shines on a stage curtain.
A spotlight shines on a stage curtain.

Red velvet curtains in Infinite Invisible Soft-Shoe. March 2016. Photograph by Filip Wolak 

From March 4-6, the Susan and John Hess Family Theater was home to Jamie Isenstein’s installation, Infinite Invisible Soft-Shoe.

Video still of two dancers in a spotlight.
Video still of two dancers in a spotlight.

Video of Isenstein and a skeleton. Photograph by Filip Wolak 

The multimedia work included a short video of the artist performing a vaudeville duet with an animatronic skeleton, a player piano continuously belting out a ragtime version of the Bee Gees’ disco classic “Stayin’ Alive,” and red velvet theater curtains that jumped and swayed to the music.

Guests explore the art installation in the gallery.
Guests explore the art installation in the gallery.

Visitors walking around the installation. Photograph by Filip Wolak

The only living element of the piece was Isenstein who remained off-stage, operating the theater curtains from behind the scenes. The installation created a playful and mysterious world in which automated and human forces were nearly indistinguishable.

Learn more about Public Programs here 

Jackie Kong, Public Programs Intern

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