>‘The Power Plant’ Research

by Isabel Burr Raty in collab with many

 

>Sci fi experimental playground  

Open to every-body + 18

 

>Deeper engagement

25th and 27th of August 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

During this summer a group of invitees will spend 3 days experimenting with the maquette of the embodied sci-fi nomadic playground that we are developing in my garden, to collectively explore the body practice method it proposes.

The playground is composed of 8 stations crafted into the earth containing retro-futuristic devices. Made of organic (wool, wood, metals) and recycled materials, these stations propose practice scores that entangle the body with natural elements earth, water, air and the fire from within (sexual energy). Inviting us to become more porous to the knowledge that lies dormant within us, and releasing the memories that can awaken ecstatic states and turn on superpowers for trans-dimensional travels.
Thus the invitation for this group of persons, is to explore time perception, enhance intuition, cosmic travelling, shapeshifting or whichever desired superpower, with the common intention of invoking visions for future interconnectivity and relations, while depositing our pleasure molecules into a common water well that nurtures healing herbs.

Through this process the idea is to enjoy the benefits of the practice method, which aims at regenerating our bodies and the land. As well as to feedback on the world that the playground proposes, to help shape the format further and collectively discuss the potential future of this playground.

Details and practicalities

>7 invitees will take part in this experiment.

>The specific practices linked to working with the fire from within, will be facilitated by Elke Van Campenhout and me.

>Language English (though with the help of visitors words will be translated to Dutch and French if needed).
>The practices involve either soft movements or breathing exercises, while laying or sitting with the eyes covered or not. No touch, nor ingestion of recreational substances or psychedelic plants are involved.
>Come as you are, no need to do any specific diet prior to joining.

Location & transport
The garden is located in the countryside (Ramillies) with no train or easy bus connection.
Car transport is provided. Pick up on the 25th at 9am at Esso gas station metro Hermann Debroux Brussels & drop off on the 27th at 7pm at the same spot.

Lodgement
The sleeping will happen in the countryside house where the garden is located, where Isabel lives with her partner. There is space to host 4 invitees inside the house and 3 inside a tent set up on the garden's terrace next to the house with direct access to a toilet.
Please keep in mind the experimental spirit of this experience, thus the house and garden are adapted to make the best out of it. Don’t expect anything too luxurious :) but sleeping conditions in a collective setting with no private individual rooms.

Food
3 vegetarian meals are provided daily.
If you have allergies, or need gluten free food please let us know.

Schedule
On the first day we start at 10am.

The rest of the days we will start early morning till 10pm, with lunch and other breaks in between.  The details of the schedule will be informed on the arrival day. But keep in mind that it's an intense experience.

What to bring?
A set of comfortable clothes that can get dirty, 2 bathing suits and 2 towels.
1 sleeping bag and 1 pillow.
The space is prepared in case of rain, but please bring an umbrella.

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INSCRIPTION

If you are interested in taking part of this experiment, please send me an email before the 20th / 08, to reserve your spot.

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​ABOUT THE POWER PLANT RESEARCH

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The invasion of capitalism and commodification have turned our senses into a single way of perceiving the world that is dualistic, confining us into a normative way of relating to every-thing. ‘The Power Plant’ is the working title of the artistic research we are developing trying to shake control mechanisms. By letting something else grow between the encounter of bodies and the invention and sowing of different zones of practices, installations and objects, that strip apart the thought of materiality. With the intention of going beyond binary thinking and the boundaries of species and resources, opening a spectrum of possibilities that can help understand yourself and at the same time the world differently. In order to spell out imaginaries that can shape new perspectives about our role in the universe.

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The Power Plant research is possible thanks to the kind support of Vlaamse Gemeenschap, nadine Brussels, Viernulvier Gent, wpZimmer Antwerp and Kersnikova Gallery Ljubljana. And to the collaborations of Elke Van Campenhout, Einat Tuchman, Antye Guenther, Adva Zakai, Marzia Dalfani, Kristin Rogghe, Ditte Brys, Camila Montero Elegueta, Dodi Espinoza & interns Nora Allegaert, Linda Pietrobelli, Ambra Zamengo and more to come....

Garden design & special thanks to Philip Malcorps

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With a background as an activist filmmaker working with indigenous nations in Latin America, and a sexual Kung Fu initiate, Isabel Burr Raty‘s artistic practice weaves methods for embodied Sci-Fi, through hybrid formats that are installed and adapted to in-situ conditions. These invite the public to participate in hyper-reality settings that challenge the commodification of ‘goods’ and propose economies of pleasure exchange. Offering empowering experiences that liberate bodies from colonial perspectives in collective settings.

www.isabel-burr-raty.com

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