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Photography by Edward C. Robison III.

Soundsuit

Since the mid-twentieth century, the number of dance styles in the United States has accelerated dramatically, inspiring new collaborations between the art and dance worlds. Nick Cave is both dancer and artist, and this sculpture is a result of the marriage of his two roles. This "Soundsuit" is more than a costume deisgned for a performance; it is an empty vessel charged with potential energy.

When worn, the movement of the wearer causes the suit to produce its own sounds as the elements are activated. This, in turn directs the dancer on how to move. Dancer and artwork are two parts of a whole–each informs the other in order to harness the spirit of dance.

ArtistNick Cave(b. 1959)
Date2010
MediumAppliquéd found knitted and crocheted fabric, metal armature, and painted metal and wood toys
Dimensions97 x 48 x 42 in. (246.4 x 121.9 x 106.7 cm)
Credit LineCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2010.60
ClassificationMixed Media
Provenance(Jack Shainman Gallery, New York, NY), 2010; purchased by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR, 2010
On ViewNo
Soundsuit97 × 48 in.Standard/Movie Poster40 × 27 in.

This artwork's face covers about 4.3× the area of a standard movie poster.Drawn to the same scale.