Astrit Ismaili

Astrit Ismaili explore in their performance practice the transformational potential of bodies and spaces. Their work proposes bodies that consist of both imaginary and material realities, using alter egos, body extensions and wearable music instruments to embody different possibilities for becoming. Through these elements, they think of, about and through the body: as it transforms and is transformed, as it moves, makes sound and makes contact, as it extends and exceeds itself, reaching out to and touching the other.

Their research is based around ‘Creative Under Limitation’; a notion deriving from their practice. Through this notion they look into fictional, historical, scientific or personal references that deal with physical or socio-political limitations by using creativity as a tool to confront boundaries and restrictions by often creating something new. The researched material is used for ‘world building’ and is embodied in their performance, video, sound, drawing and sculptural work.

Astrit Ismaili’s central interest is how bodies are constructed and interpreted through contemporary society, but also how they are heard, asking what it means to sonify a body politic. Exploring the politics of the body and voice, they aim to disrupt conventional narratives, imagining new and utopian ways of thinking, how bodies inhabit and occupy space.