Janice Kerbel’s 'Sink’ was commissioned by The Common Guild as part of Festival 2018, the cultural programme for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.
‘Sink’ takes the form of a synchronised swimming routine, using the language of synchronisation to explore the tensions between body and language, movement and stillness, the individual and the collective. Synchronised swimming is marked by a unique history infused with the magic of cinema, the discipline of dance, and the precision and athleticism of contemporary competitive sport. ‘Sink’ explores contradictions inherent in the form to imagine a compositional choreography that is both austere and extravagant, performed by specialist, elite female swimmers.
The first live performances of ‘Sink’ took place in the distinctive surroundings of The Western Baths Club, in the west end of Glasgow, on Friday 3 August. Established in 1876, The Western Baths Club is one of a handful of Victorian-era swimming pools in the UK that continue to be in active use. Operated as a private members’ club, ‘Sink’ offers a rare opportunity to visit the building, and to experience the remarkable pool environment through a unique event.
'Sink' is Janice Kerbel’s largest project to date.
‘Sink’ was choreographed by Janice Kerbel in collaboration with Adele Carlsen and Lorena Randi.
