A documentary exploring the importance of time and duration through Amanda Coogan, the Dublin-born performance artist who has been a close student and collaborator with Marina Abramovic throughout her career. Filmed during a gruelling six-week exhibition at Ireland’s prestigious RHA Gallery, the hour-long documentary follows the artist as she prepares for and performs daily for six hours a day, five days a week.
Capturing what was the gallery’s most successful and visited show in its 187-year history, the film weaves together the beautiful live performances with Coogan’s off-screen reflections on the physical and emotional demands of her art and why her Deaf family background and Sign Language in particular is often the inspiration for a movement or performance.
I was captivated by what Cahill composed of these same experiences, and how his use of the camera brought new depth to performances I already thought I knew
Cahill’s film does fine homage to Coogan’s body of work, allowing that art to be experienced yet avoiding a total freezing of the moment
Questioning rather than provoking
We're treated to an uncompromising look at one of Ireland's foremost performers
Cahill captures sublimely the nature of the work created by Coogan
The hour-long film had its world premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival this weekend, and it’s superb