Chicago-based artist Brendan Fernandes (b. 1979, Kenya) presents a new dance performance series in response to the Pulitzer’s exhibition, Scott Burton: Shape Shift. Fernandes will choreograph a series of duets that engage with Scott Burton’s “furniture sculptures”—artworks that were originally made for public use. Like Burton (1939–1989), Fernandes will draw on gestures and signaling within gay cruising culture as part of an ongoing exploration of queer camouflage, visibility, and embodiment. In addition to the performances, Fernandes will create curtains and props to be installed in the galleries and activated by dancers during performances. Fernandes’ project highlights the continued impact of Burton’s legacy on artists today.

Performance dates:

Sep 7, 2024

Nov 8 & 9, 2024

Jan 17 & 18, 2025

Thank you to dancers Sergio Camacho (Courtesy of the Saint Louis Dance Theatre), Xenia Mansour, Christopher Salango, and Carly Vanderheyden.

Thank you to The Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia for co-commissioning the curtains and pillows. A companion set of curtains and pillows by Fernandes is on view as part of their exhibition Soft/Cover, November 14, 2024, through 2025. Burton’s Window Curtains (1978) are on loan from The Fabric Workshop and Museum and are on view on the Pulitzer’s lower level.