SomoS is pleased to present Israeli Berlin-based artist Nitsan Margaliot’s performance “Untitled” by your side

This is an invitation to join a temporary nest. Four gay men, of different ages, places of birth, and backgrounds, venture into a gentle encounter in and around a plain white bed. Each of them carries a personal history of becoming, of them familiar with the fears of societal pressures.

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“Untitled (by your side)” creates a situation of intimacy based on that which unites us all: the humanity of our vulnerable bodies, connected by voice and touch. Conversations, sensual togetherness and commonality of experiences hold the space and lead the way through this encounter. Acknowledging the absence of a generation of gay men who died during the peak of the HIV-AIDS epidemic, poses questions about queer intimacy across generations where the most private of places – the bed – becomes the starting point of inquiry.

The performance is rounded off by an installation of embroidered textiles, video work, and an exhibition of photographs.

“Untitled (by your side)” is the second work by Israeli, Berlin-based choreographer Nitsan Margaliot in which he explores artwork by homosexual male artists who passed away during the HIV-AIDS epidemic, through the lens of contemporary dance. “Untitled (by your side)” takes its inspiration from a black and white photograph of an empty bed by Cuban artist Félix Gonzáles-Torres showing the bodily imprint of those who lay in it. In February and March 1991, this particular photo could be seen on major billboards all over New York City.

SomoS Arts presents Nitsan Margaliot’s performance/installation “Untitled (by your side)” which takes the legacy of the artists lost to the HIV epidemic as a starting point to reflect on intimacy, togetherness, and vulnerability across generations.  

Premiere: 9 September 2022 at 6 pm (starting with a tour through the outdoor photography exhibition) 

Subsequent performances: 10 & 11 September 2022 at 6.30 pm

Admission is free.

Venue: SomoS, Kottbusser Damm 95, 1.0G, 10967 Berlin (U8 – Schönleinstraße)

About Nitsan Margaliot: Nitsan Margaliot is an Israeli Berlin-based choreographer, dancer, and curator who holds a fine arts master’s from Philadelphia Arts University. Over the years he has been part of companies such as the Batsheva Ensemble and Vertigo dance company and worked with many dancers. He is currently collaborating with Milla Koistinen and Benjamin Bertrand and benefits from the DISTANZ-SOLO scholarship through Dachverbang Tanz. 

www.instagram.com/nmargaliot

About SomoS: SomoS is a non-commercial artist-run art space with an emphasis on interdisciplinary projects, intergenerational community, and diversity. SomoS’ engaged schedule of exhibitions, artist residencies, performances, and art events is free to the public and aims to spark interest, discussion, cooperation, and understanding, as it activates art’s unique positive uniting potential. More information: www.somos-arts.org

Concept & Choreography: Nitsan Margaliot
Performers & Collaborators: Alfredo Zinola, Antoine Mermet, Dario Wilmington, Jared Gradinger Music: Antoine Mermet
Film: Michelle Ettlin
Embroidery: Joachim Perez
Costumes and stage: Matthias Nebel, Nitsan Margaliot
Assistance: Juan Corres Benito
Photography: Robin Kirchner, Maria Eleonora
Public Relations: Lea Pischke
Production: Uta Engel