By Colter Ruland
Tatiana Wills is an artist who seeks out other artists. If you’ve been in the art world long enough, you learn who to watch out for next by listening to other artists, and that is exactly the kind of intuition Wills exhibits in a body of photographic work that is elegant yet brutally honest, pared back yet brimming with subtext. Her current work depicts dance artists in ways that look past their outer layers as performers to subtly capture what really makes them, well, them—in other words, what makes them human. I wanted to ask Wills what she thought about being an artist during COVID-19 but also about the human body and why she loves the dance world so much.
The COVID-19 outbreak is on everyone’s minds. What role do you think you have as an artist when everyone seems to be panicking about events beyond our control?
I’m still grappling with this. Some of my ideas center around images I’ve already created, reflecting on themes that stand out in light of what’s happening around us. I’m responding the most to images where subjects regard or interact with themselves. I’d been exploring this idea here and there for a while, but now I’m considering whether to make more or run in another direction entirely. I catch myself feeling conflicted about whether these images represent themes of vulnerability, balance, contemplation or instead show regard for the ‘other’ aspects of ourselves we’ve either forgotten, aren’t aware of, or don’t want to face. My initial intention in choosing to photograph the dance community was to remind ourselves of the beauty in the world that still exists! Like I said, I’m still grappling.
Has the outbreak presented any specific challenges for you and your work? If so, what are they and what can be done to create art in a time such as this?
Yes. I photograph people and am working on two simultaneous projects with dance artists, usually having them come to the studio while on tour through LA. Today I would have been working with choreographer Kyle Abraham, then Monday with several dancers from Alvin Ailey. I have to plan months in advance to get what little time they have, and now we are forced to postpone. My thoughts are with that entire community. Their shows are canceled. Theaters are shut. It’s unimaginable how all of this will impact dance artists especially. Devastating on many levels.
During times of national emergency, some might wonder about the relevancy of art in their lives. What do you think that role should be?
Looking at Italy, among the devastation, people are singing, playing instruments, and dancing with each other from their balconies. The human spirit never ceases to amaze me. It would not be possible to get through it without art! Personally, I’m even more determined to support the artists I work with and very open to collaborators willing to work together for the benefit of dance artists. I am always endeavoring to do my part but we can certainly be stronger together.
Your current project is about seeking out and photographing artists, namely dance artists, who you think have some kind of “it” factor. What are your thoughts and/or advice for artists who are trying to explore their work right now apart from their communities?
I like to immerse myself as much as possible within the community of artists I’m interested in. I have an extensive list of artists I want to work with, compiled through research online, going to performances, reading magazine articles, news stories, etc. The dance community, in particular, is mobilizing and adapting very quickly by offering classes, streaming performances, even fundraising online. For me, seeing their personal spaces where they seem to be more “themselves” has been interesting to observe. Since creating new work is not possible for me at the moment I’m revisiting the archive and viewing past work with a very different lens. Really looking…with a capital “L.”
Dance artists remind me of the wonder and possibility of the human body. Your work looks deeper at the person behind the performance. Do you think that perspective holds a different meaning now that we are living in a situation in which we’re also reminded how susceptible and fragile our bodies really are?
A short answer would be yes. I’ve always been interested in portraying the person behind their chosen medium, to emphasize that there are human beings behind movements in art. It’s imperative to maintain dialogue around creators. Dancers train rigorously and are required to become an expert in their field at a time when most people are graduating high school. It’s astounding that this art form continues to be undervalued. Examining the underlying miracle of each dancer is a very rich and rewarding experience for me. I know not everyone “gets” why dance is important. Maybe I’m reflecting on what we don’t usually see. The more vulnerable aspects. Fragility is not something I’d associate with a dancer, per se. Because the dancer’s bodies are the medium, the reminder of our own fragility is inevitable.
For more, visit her website here and be sure to follow her on Instagram @tcwills