The Novels of Elsgüer: Counter Narratives and Ecosystems of Corporeal and Virtual Displacement

Abstract

The Novels of Elsgüeris a series of 5 transdisciplinary installations co-created by Colombian-Canadian artists Laura Acostaand Santiago Taverasince 2017. The artists create immersive and interactive ecosystems composed of different audio-visual technologies, sculptural and material elements, and various approaches to performance. Each expanded scenography is referred to as an episode and presents a different exploration of the relationship between body and space from a decolonial perspective. The word Elsgüeris the Spanglish pronunciation of the English word “elsewhere.” This term alludes to the feeling of absence while being present, a sensation felt by anyone who has experienced displacement. This body of work uses this sense of dislocation to create environments and narratives that test the boundaries between body/space and viewer/performer. The artwork asks audiences to question their perception and position within a space.