Reflections on Collaboration: Maya Ponce and SARAB
During my time at Remal Lab, I had the privilege of collaborating with the extraordinary artist Maya Ponce. Maya, a visual artist and choreographer, explores the profound connection between the body and the environment through her unique artistic lens. Her holistic approach to art transcends traditional boundaries, creating space for deep, meaningful exploration of themes like identity, resistance, and rebirth.
Exploring Identity through Performance
Working with Maya Ponce opened new dimensions of performance and storytelling. SARAB touches on themes of resistance, grief, and identity, all deeply rooted in the human experience.
Immersed in SARAB: The Layers of Belonging
As a performer in Maya’s videodance project, SARAB: The Layers of Belonging, I found myself engaged in an inspiring and transformative creative process. Set against the breathtaking desert backdrop of Wadi Rum, the project explored universal themes of land and belonging through a poetic lens. Maya’s ability to balance her clear artistic vision with openness to collaboration allowed each participant to authentically connect with the project’s larger narrative.
The Desert as a Creative Partner
The vast, silent expanse of Wadi Rum became more than a setting—it was a collaborator. Its towering cliffs and boundless horizons infused the work with a profound resonance, blending human movement with the natural world. Maya’s multidisciplinary approach, integrating experimental dance, performance, and audiovisual techniques, enriched every aspect of SARAB, creating an environment where creativity could flourish.
Artistic Growth and Gratitude
This experience was deeply enriching, both personally and professionally. Working closely with Maya reaffirmed my belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of pushing artistic boundaries. It deepened my practice as a performer and strengthened my commitment to meaningful, authentic artistic expression. I am deeply grateful to Maya and Remal Lab for this opportunity and look forward to seeing how SARAB evolves, carrying the spirit of the desert into new spaces and conversations.
Growth and Discovery in the Creative Process Participating in Remal Lab was a journey of growth and discovery. Every moment working with Maya and the team was an opportunity to push artistic boundaries and deepen my practice.
The Interdisciplinary Approach
What set this experience apart was the way Maya seamlessly integrated various disciplines into SARAB. From experimental choreography to audiovisual elements, each layer was carefully crafted to enrich the work’s depth. Watching Maya balance her meticulous attention to detail with her willingness to embrace spontaneity was inspiring. This fluidity encouraged all collaborators to experiment, breaking traditional artistic boundaries to create something truly unique.
A Journey Beyond the Desert
While SARAB originated in the desert, its impact is poised to extend far beyond. As the project evolves and reaches new audiences, it carries with it the essence of Wadi Rum and the universal questions of identity and belonging. This journey has underscored the transformative power of art to foster connections across borders, bringing diverse voices into a shared conversation about land, self, and community.
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