August Studios, Vancouver, BC • Tuesday, September 15 • 6 PM - 9 PM
Overview
A small, intimate space for collective experimentation with body, material, space and relation.
MATTER AFFECT is an ongoing space for experimentation through body, material, space and relation.
Each LAB begins with a particular material or condition and unfolds through a series of invitations, exercises and experiments.
For LAB_01, we begin with SOIL.
We will work with soil through the body, the senses, movement, space and simple actions. Drawing from practices in acting, performance art, installation and embodied awareness, we'll move between individual exploration, shared exercises and small-group experiments.
There is no particular outcome to achieve and no expectation to perform in a conventional sense. We will try things, pay attention, alter them, repeat them, fail, notice, respond and see what emerges.
The emphasis is on relationship: between body and material, person and space, action and consequence, self and others.
Some parts of the evening will be guided and structured; others will be open for you to follow your own curiosity.
You don't need to be an artist or performer, and no previous experience is required.
Registration:
Limited spots available — please sign up early.
The suggested value of the LAB is $45.
Pay what you can: A sliding scale of $30–$60 is available.
Choose an amount from above scale that works for you — no explanation needed.
Send payment to lizwurzinger@gmail.com
Your ticket helps cover artistic research and facilitation, studio rent, materials, and future community events.
Who is it For:
This is a welcoming space for people of different backgrounds, identities, bodies and abilities, including queer, trans and neurodivergent participants. No previous experience with art, performance or movement is required, though an open heart and an affinity for experimentation, art and personal exploration are a big asset.
The LAB may be especially interesting to those curious about performance, installation, public intervention, embodied practices or working beyond familiar artistic forms.
The exercises are invitations rather than requirements. You are welcome to adapt, pause, observe or step out at any time. This is a space to explore our relationships to materials, space and one another in a safe and playful environment.
If you have access needs or questions about the space, please reach out before registering so we can do our best to accommodate.
Expect:
sensory and embodied exercises
working directly with soil
movement and stillness
individual and collective experiments
moments of observation and witnessing
working quietly / non-verbally at times
getting a little dirty
uncertainty, curiosity and permission to try things differently
a small group and an intimate atmosphere
Bring:
clothes you don't mind getting dirty
comfortable clothes that allow you to move
an open mind and willingness to experiment
a notebook if you want to make notes
About the facilitator:
Liz Wurzinger is an interdisciplinary artist and designer working across material, image, body and space. Her practice explores embodied experience, transformation, and the relationships that form between people, materials and environments. With a background in graphic design, contemporary art and performance-based practices, she is interested in creating spaces for experimentation, attention and playful uncertainty.
For MATTER/AFFECT, Liz brings together influences from performance art, acting, installation and embodied awareness practices to facilitate collective artistic research.
Consent & Boundaries
This is a body-based and potentially physical practice. Some exercises may involve touch, close proximity, movement, partnering or physical contact with others. You will be invited to explore your physical and personal boundaries, but you are always the authority on your own body.
The exercises are invitations, not requirements. You can say yes or no, modify an invitation, pause, observe or step out at any time — without needing to explain why.
When working with another person, ask before initiating physical contact and wait for a clear yes. Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, and respect a no or hesitation without taking it personally.
We will practice curiosity, care, clear communication and respect for ourselves, one another and the materials.
This is a space for experimentation. You are always invited to participate at your own level. You can observe, modify an invitation, or step out of an exercise at any time. We will work with attention to ourselves, one another and the material. For any questions, feel free to reach out to lizwurzinger@gmail.com
Sign-Up:
