Trajal Harrell: Hoochie Koochie

Thu 20 Jul —Sun 13 Aug 2017

Photo of three men in robes dancing in Trajal Harrell

What would it look like if the exotic and seductive belly dance-like spectacles of the late 19th century teamed up with your favourite playlist?

Straight from a two-year residency at MoMA, New York, Trajal Harrell arrived at the Barbican for a major performance exhibition. The Art Gallery was transformed into an immersive space where eighteen dancers, including Harrell himself, showcased 14 of his innovative and playful works.

Visitors were able to weave through these live performances making their own route through the gallery space. The exhibition presented a unique opportunity to experience Harrell’s entire body of work from 1999 through to the present day in one place and at one time. Emotional and exhilarating, the performances explored ideas around the body, gender, race, sexuality and culture and included Caen Amour, Showpony, Ghost Trio, Wall Dance, Creon Solo and The Return of La Argentina

Tagged with: Art & design Art Gallery Archive

With additional support from Fluxus

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Reviews

‘Hoochie Koochie is an entrancing spectacle, satisfyingly fierce in its intellectual rigour. It’s also, I promise, quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen‘

Observer

‘The most physically exciting exhibition you'll see this year ‘

The Daily Telegraph

‘Trajal Harrell is about to be the name on everybody’s lips‘

AnOther

Discover

Watch: Trajal Harrell: Hoochie Koochie

Experience a taste of Trajal Harrell: Hoochie Koochie in the exhibition trailer.

Long read: On Trajal Harrell

The Museum of Modern Art Associate Curator Ana Javenski explores the career and inspirations of dancer and choreographer, Trajal Harrell ahead of the first UK survey of his work.

Photo of Leila Hasham and Trajal Harrell

Barbican Meets: Trajal Harrell

Artist and choreographer, Trajal Harrell, joins our curator Leila Hasham in conversation as he prepares to open the first major survey of his work in the UK, Trajal Harrell: Hoochie Koochie.