Sunayama Norico
A Sultry World, 1995–
A celebrated work of contemporary art, Sunayama Norico’s A Sultry World made its debut in 1995 at John Cage’s Rolywholyover A Circus exhibition at the Art Tower Mito in Japan. Having been staged at major venues in North America, Europe, and Asia over the past thirty years, this captivating performance has garnered international acclaim and continues to enthral audiences today as much as ever.
Visitors are invited to be part of the performance by entering the protective, intimate space beneath the giant scarlet skirt, which has been infused with the calming scent of lavender. This experience requires trust between the participant and performer while providing a moment of quietude for guests.
The garment’s scarlet hue holds symbolic significance, representing both power and love, as well as redemption, sacrifice, and sin. By blurring the boundaries between public and personal space, Sunayama’s work seeks to bring calm to conflicts and violence that arise from human desire, ethics, and social norms.
Sunayama Norico, A Sultry World, is presented in partnership with CHAT (Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile).
A dancer and performer known for her characteristic mix of humour and provocation, Sunayama Norico often conceives her work from uncomfortable personal experiences. The artist is a member of the Japanese collective Dump Type and was involved in all of their performances between 1990 and 2020. Independently, Sunayama has pursued solo projects and founded several artist units, such as THE OK GIRLS, THE BITERS and THE BEST ADULT.
Recently, Sunayama founded the unit un:ten+ with fashion designer Ito Junko, integrating her performance into fashion shows for empowering women. She has since been collaborating with musicians including THE TETORAPOTZ and Umezu Kazutoki Cabaret Band, and presented a body of performative work at the intersections of contemporary art, subculture, cabaret, art and performance.