The Moody Center for the Arts presents “Tacita Dean: Craneway Event”, a 16mm film portrait of the legendary dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham and his dance company. Presented on the occasion of Cunningham’s 100th Anniversary in tandem with a worldwide re-consideration of his work, Dean’s film invites the viewer to enter Cunningham’s creative universe, as dancers convene for rehearsal in an abandoned Ford assembly plant in Richmond, California. The architectural space, scaled for cranes, is a dramatic backdrop for the careful observations of both artist and choreographer. Culled from hours of footage, the portrait features Cunningham as a contemplative artist in the twilight of his career, physically diminished by age, yet creatively flourishing through his work.

Known for her film portraits of iconic artists such as Cy Twombly, David Hockney and Mario Merz, Dean presents a visually stunning profile of one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century through the lens of a lush technology. Dean makes a visually compelling case for the preservation and revitalization of 16mm film through her visually stunning depiction of a great artist at work.

The film screens daily at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm, from June 1 until July 13, 2019.

A conversation with the artist is scheduled at 2 pm, on June 1st, 2019.