Response to Deke's performance of Wolf By Montana McLeod (04/30/14 23:28:28)
Deke’s artistic approach on representing the endangered species is a brilliant idea. I truly believe that by declaring a species endangered we are placing a significant status on the animal in the natural world, however, that significance is typically lost as just a factual, brief statement.
The unknown threat of the endangered species list is that many animals enter the list and continue to persist or enter into a slow decline, but few recover enough to come off the list. In fact there are very few cases where species are taken off the list due to successful rehabilitation. Yes, providing statistics and dates as to when the animal is predicted to go extinct is effective and impacts the reader, but it really just provides people with the facts regarding the endangered species. I think what people need is to adhere to the emotions of the human population and to use the disposition of the animal to inspire others into taking actions. And not just within the constraints of its function in the ecosystem, but in the beauty of the interactive experiences and cultural adaptations.
Deke’s performance became more than just an educational reflection of the wolf species; it became an interpretation of their magnificent power. I was truly delighted to hear Deke discuss the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone and how its introduction has changed the river. I have often read about their rehabilitation, needless to say this concept baffles me. Just say it, “Wolves changed the rivers.” It sounds absurd in some ways due to the typical depiction of wolves as the ultimate predator, the lone wolf, the big bad wolf. There are few nursery rhymes of the wolf as the clandestine hero. The environmental impact created by the reintroduction was a massive success, and I think any form of success with the Environmental Protection Agency is optimistic of a prosperous future. With that and the demonstration of the wolf through out cultural ideologies, I found a forthcoming appreciation for Deke’s extensive information regarding the many different perceptions of the Wolf and its significance to the living world.
With that being said, I also became vastly enlightened while, I must admit, simultaneously confused through out his performance. Deke was wonderful at engaging the audience in his seamless transitions and metaphysical connection to the wolf. His transitions seemed effortless and I often turned back to find him in a whole new attire without noticing the change at all.
I really valued the performative interpretation of the wolves through dance. Sometimes portraying animals in dance can be complicated in embodying a separate species without a comical approach. However, the wolves were well represented and effective in inducing the intended emotional response. Deke’s performance really helped me to construct an idea of how to portray an idea through performative art. I valued the way he was able to facilitate the wolf into a whole new image, separate from the preconceived notions that we have overtime acquired. His performative style made me question the ways in which we can interpret and portray art. I think that I have created this idea of the ways I know how to create art, but neglected that art can truly be represented in many explicit ways. The boundaries are essentially permeable. [Write Comment]