Unique to the Philadelphia presentation of âSenga Nengudi: Topologiesâ is the artistâs first video installation. âWarp Tranceâ was born out of Nengudiâs time as an artist-in-residence at Philly's Fabric Workshop and Museum in 2007. While in Pennsylvania she became interested in the production of textiles and visited several industrial weaving mills from which she sourced the artworkâs audio and video footage that appears projected onto board-like punch cards used to produce patterns for the Jacquard looms at the mills. The resulting sequence is rhythmic and looping, inviting visitors to move their own bodies in trance-like revolutions. As the final gallery in the exhibition, âWarp Tranceâ serves as both a continuation and extension of Nengudiâs explorations into dance and movement.
Installation view of "Warp Trance," 2007, by Senga Nengudi; sound composition by Lawrence âButchâ Morris (Courtesy of the artist; installation materials courtesy of Langhorne Carpet Company, Pennsylvania)
