interview: brendan fernandes illuminates chicago's THE MART with tribute to house music
Briefly

Fernandes explains, 'Build Up The House reimagines the idea of a physical building as an institution, and how we think about reimagining monuments, buildings, and institutions.' This installation creates a collective dialogue between architecture, performance, and light art, connecting past traditions with contemporary expressions.
Reflecting on his heritage, Fernandes states, 'There are a lot of textiles referencing from West African wax cloths to Kenyan Kitenge cloths.' His work underscores the importance of cultural symbols in addressing the historical context of African contributions to global culture.
The integration of dance and architecture symbolizes a layered storytelling, where Fernandes notes, 'It also references a moment of change, finding a newness...a way of decolonizing is to return to nature.' His approach contextualizes the narrative beyond mere aesthetics.
Fernandes emphasizes the choreographic aspect, explaining, 'The choreographic process behind Build Up The House was as intricate as the final display.' Collaborations with dancers brought forth a synergy of ballet's discipline and the fluidity of Vogue, illustrating a seamless blend of various artistic forms.
Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine
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