19:00: Welcome by Fotostiftung Schweiz
19:30: Welcome by Fotomuseum Winterthur
20:00: Performance BECOMING with Nils Amadeus Lange, Florian Schlessmann, Mario Espinoza and Naomi Chinasa Bögli

Fotostiftung Schweiz celebrates the opening of the exhibition Manon – She Was Once «La dame au crâne rasé».

The 1928 novel Orlando tells the story of a young noble person in the age of Queen Elizabeth I who lives for centuries without ageing and has the mysterious ability to switch gender. In 1992, film-maker Sally Potter devised what has become a classic adaptation of the book with actress Tilda Swinton in the title role. The exhibition of the same name, developed by Swinton, shows the work of contemporary artists and photographers who explore the main themes dealt with in Orlando’s story: gender fluidity, the idea of boundless consciousness and the prospect of living forever.

Norwegian Nigerian artist and sociologist Frida Orupabo (b. 1986) creates analogue black-and-white collages and video works from visual material circulating online. Drawing on image archives from art, pop culture, film, science, ethnography and medicine, Orupabo dismembers representations of the Black, mostly female body as a means to negotiate themes of colonial violence, racism, sexuality and identity. By creating figures of resistance opposing a present permeated by colonialism, Orupabo unfolds new narratives and potential histories, challenging us to consider our position within the photographic encounter.

BECOMING was developed for the exhibition Orlando by performance artist and choreographer Nils Amadeus Lange in collaboration with musicians and dancers. The performance focuses on Orlando’s seven-day sleep, which symbolises transition. It is a reality-constituting act that is irrevocable and creates a new environment. BECOMING is thus dedicated to saying goodbye but also to change and new beginnings.

Nils Amadeus Lange works as an artist, performer and choreographer in Zurich. After studying theatre at Hochschule der Künste Bern (HKB), he focused his work on dance and performance and developed numerous projects together with visual artists. His practice focuses on the body, which he uses to deconstruct social conventions and gender stereotypes.

Masks are recommended for this event. We would like all visitors of all ages to feel comfortable and safe and appeal with this decision to mutual consideration. Subject to change.