i can not stress to you enough how enriching it is to be able to hear a performance artist talk about their work. when the performance disappears in the making and there is no second chance to view and contemplate the work it is the artist herself who can provide keys which will open a depth and significance to the work that one may feel, but not be able to grasp at first view. and lilibeth cuenca rasmussen is no exception. with an incredible amount of generosity and disclosure lilbeth shared with us her path and her particular focus in relation to performance art.

lilibeth did not arrive at art straight off the mark, but rather meandered through art history, literature and dance. nor did she begin to perform right away, but rather began (and continues) as a documentary filmmaker. but a filmmaker with a desire to renew the traditional documentary style. her incredible imagery and critical edge is condensed to speak quickly to a generation that grew up assaulted by an overabundance of visual information.

as she says she is « just serving the images. » not providing answers or voice over narration, it is the images which speak. and it is through performing in front of the camera that led lilibeth to walk to the other side and to put herself in front of the audience. and although last night the presentation was like a greatest hit album, this is one artist who takes time and works her material. what we saw last night was, in her terms, like a trailer for her work.

the depth and dedication lilibeth gives to her practice is quite extraordinary and she does often demand we give her our time and attention through performances of a long duration that are extremely physically demanding. i strongly recommend you go to her website and uncover layer by layer this amazing artist.

lilibeth cuenca rasmussen: www.lilibethcuenca.com