The Barnes Foundation is proud to present the highly anticipated debut performance of “Returning to Before” by internationally acclaimed visual and movement artist, Brendan Fernandes. This newly commissioned work explores the intersection of spirituality, creativity, and the role of museums as spaces for artistic expression. Join us on Friday, July 14th at 7 pm for an artist talk and the mesmerizing performance of “Returning to Before.”
The event will commence with a talk by Brendan Fernandes, where he will share insights into his artistic process and engage in conversation with Christina Knight, a scholar and movement artist, and James Claiborne, exhibition co-curator. Following the talk, guests will have the opportunity to witness the debut performance of “Returning to Before.” This ongoing installation and intervention have been created in response to the sculptures in the exhibition “William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision.”
“Returning to Before” delves into the profound influence of spirituality on both Brendan Fernandes and William Edmondson’s artwork. The installation features an altar-like memorial space adorned with a tapestry designed by Fernandes, located within the Roberts Gallery. Periodically, a group of dancers will activate the space using Fernandes’s choreography, evoking the physical labor inherent in Edmondson’s sculptural practice. Through the collective movements of the dancers and the visitors within the exhibition, the gallery is transformed into a spiritual ground for communal homage to Edmondson’s enduring legacy.
DETAILS
Friday, July 14
Artist Talk: 7 pm
Performance of Returning to Before: 8 pm
The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia 19130
Information & Tickets: https://www.barnesfoundation.org/whats-on/returning-to-before-opening-performance
Additional Performances
After the opening night, “Returning to Before” performances will take place in the exhibition space every Saturday from July 15 to September 2 at noon and 2 pm. General admission tickets for any Saturday during this period include access to the performances in the Roberts Gallery.
About “William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision” & “Returning to Before”
The Barnes Foundation is proud to present “William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision,” the first major East Coast exhibition dedicated to the renowned self-taught American sculptor William Edmondson in decades. Co-curated by James Claiborne and Nancy Ireson, the exhibition reexamines Edmondson’s practice and situates his artwork within the context of African American social history. To further explore the intricate relationship between Black cultural production and American museums, Brendan Fernandes has created “Returning to Before.” This thought-provoking work combines ballet, modern and contemporary dance techniques to respond to and interact with Edmondson’s sculptures, prompting viewers to contemplate the museum’s capacity as a space for spiritual creative expression.
About Brendan Fernandes
Brendan Fernandes is a renowned visual and movement artist born in Nairobi, Kenya. Currently based in Chicago, Fernandes explores themes of race, queer culture, migration, and protest through his interdisciplinary artwork. He constantly seeks to create new spaces and forms of agency, fostering collaboration and solidarity. Fernandes has received numerous accolades, including the Robert Rauschenberg Fellowship and the prestigious Canada Council New Chapters grant. His work has been exhibited at esteemed institutions such as the Whitney Biennial, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. Fernandes is an assistant professor at Northwestern University and represented by the Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the captivating performance of “Returning to Before” by Brendan Fernandes at The Barnes Foundation. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 14th, and immerse yourself in the intersection of spirituality, movement, and artistry. Join us for an artist talk with Brendan Fernandes, followed by the debut performance of “Returning to Before.”
