Both Scarlett Wang and Eliz are immersed in the queer experimental performance art scene, they’ve collaborated before and were inspired to create a space that reflects their shared visions.
Experimental queer performers at WAKE UP push the boundaries of identity to the extreme—not just exploring traditional drag as the opposite gender, but venturing beyond human altogether. Some performers reimagine themselves as post-human entities, hybrid creatures, or divine beings, transcending the concept of gender and humanity to create characters and forms that exist only in their imagination.
The space is trans-temporal
The choice of St John’s Church as the venue for WAKE UP was deliberate. Its timeless grandeur offers an extraordinary backdrop for the event’s trans-temporal theme. “We dream of reaching something sacred by creating the rebellious—a space for our community to explore and celebrate the extraordinary,” Scarlett explains.
The church’s historic and sacred atmosphere provides a striking contrast to the avant-garde performances and artworks. “We call it ‘Trans-temporal’,” Scarlett says. This juxtaposition of old and new, traditional and radical, makes up the essence of WAKE UP.
The artists are a diverse, groundbreaking lineup
WAKE UP brings together a carefully curated lineup of artists whose works delve into themes of identity, transformation, and the post-human condition. Highlights include:
- Charity Kase: An evil genius revelling in the chaos of horror and beauty.
- Antr0morth: A surreal being merging nature and the unknown into hauntingly otherworldly art.
- Yihao: A pioneer of the Chinese queer performance scene, blurring the boundaries between the grotesque and the sublime.
- Morphae: A Brussels-based trans performer exploring the contemporary transhuman condition through the fusion of medical science and biomimicry.
- Proxima2000taur: Inspired by a utopian vision, Proxima captures raw moments of strength and vulnerability in their work.
- Venus Superstar: A multimedia artist blending retro-futurism, surrealism, and post-humanist aesthetics.
- Scarlett Wang: A multimedia artist inspired by Chinese culture and spirituality, creating surreal, dreamlike works that explore melancholy and the subconscious.
- Tintin: A London-based transgender poet and performer diving into the complexities of the trans experience.
- Eliz: A multimedia artist who channels emotional depth into bold, thought-provoking creations.
The lineup also includes Electric Adam, Silas, Matteo Melotto, Shuwen, Human, TrashedBaby, Oliver Torr, and Ricaai, with more performance artists, fine artists, and wearable art designers to be announced.
What to expect at WAKE UP
WAKE UP invites visitors to step into a transformative world of performance, music, and art.
Scarlett Wang will reimagine the story of Genesis in a queer light, presenting a powerful performance about divinity, creation, and humanity.
Amber Jiang’s wearable art collection will challenge societal norms as a bold confrontation of vulnerability and shame, embodying the courage to unapologetically be oneself.
Meanwhile, Antr0morth will captivate audiences with a surreal performance that combines organic elements and body morphing, evoking themes of nature and the unknown.
The event is designed to evoke awe and wonder, immersing visitors in a trance-like, reflective atmosphere. Fine art installations will anchor the space, transforming the church into a trans-temporal gallery, merging history with radical creativity.
The audience’s journey begins with time to explore fine art and wearable art, accompanied by the interplay of organ music and electronic beats. Performances unfold one after another, with brief interludes. By the end of the evening, guests leave immersed in music and a profound spiritual experience.
Why Now? The Power of LGBTQ+ Creativity
WAKE UP is more than an art event; it’s a celebration of resilience, expression, and community. As queer culture continues to face oppression in places like China, where artists like Yihao and Human push forward against cultural and political barriers, events like this become ever more significant.
WAKE UP contributes to the growing movement of queer experimental art, showcasing bold, boundary-pushing works that challenge societal norms and expand possibilities for queer expression globally.
Scarlett and Eliz invite you to enter this trans-temporal world and emerge with something unforgettable: a sense of inspiration, a trance-like experience, and a renewed appreciation for the power of art to challenge boundaries.
WAKE UP is on 17 January 2024, 7 pm – 11 pm, St John’s Church, Hyde Park, Hyde Park Crescent, London W2 2QD, United Kingdom.
All images supplied
