Victoria Saretzky

"A body is living art. Your movement through time and space is art. A painter has brushes. You have your body."

-Anna Halprin

ARTIST STATEMENT

I am a Movement Artist. The way I create is via ekphrastic improvisation: extemporaneous movement generated in communication with other art forms. I often work site-specifically in nature, the most inspirational work of art in existence. This method allows my mind to find a meditative state where my nervous system can relax into a more present space. It aids me in processing the emotions, physical sensations, and subtleties of the day and becomes a moving meditation. As my mentor Kay Nishikawa taught me, I prepare the body as if it were clay, and I treat the space around me as my canvas. I get to play with infinite forms of material, texture, paint, calligraphy, sound, and energy. This art form, when treated as a practice, makes me a better human. My connection to myself, others, and most importantly the planet, makes me a more present, aware, and considerate steward of the earth. My mission in performing these works is to evoke in the viewer a playful curiosity, a peaceful heart, and a reverence to the interconnectedness of all things.

  • Sun/Moon (July 2024) - Rock Tavern, NY

    A conversation with a sculpture created by Nicole Hixon as part of Upstate Art Weekend at Bull Farm 1856- Rock Tavern, NY. (ropes added as part of movement art piece, not part of original sculpture)

  • 2/12 Conversations (April 2024) - Warwick, NY

    Movement art conversation with the work of Kishi Ui at Amity Gallery. Here we explore how the number 2 creates line, shape, and texture while also representing dualism. The moment one idea is created another one springs forth.

  • Lunar Lullaby (Feb 2024) - Rock Tavern, NY

    A creation as part of a Lunar New Year dinner series at Bull Farm 1856 in Rock Tavern, NY. Movement Art in collaboration with the works on display as well as the writing of Elizabeth Snowden.

  • Plumeria (2023) - Kavala, Greece

    Created while in residence at Eutopia Art Residency in Kavala, Greece. This movement art piece is an exploration of Ancient Greek symbology, the water element, and is an ekphrastic work in conversation with the poem “Plumeria” written by Rachel Clift. Film/Music by Nick Saretzky.

  • Moontide (2023) - Fuller Moon Arts Festival - Warwick, NY

    Site-specific Movement Art inspired by Women Who Run with the Wolves (Clarissa Pinkola Estes) in collaboration with Tatyana Kot and Rebecca Walden. Performed and filmed over two days. Video & Sound by Nick Saretzky.

  • Water (2023) - Orquevaux, France

    Movement Art creation as part of the Chateau Orquevaux Artist Residency. Writing and narration is by Elizabeth Snowden. Film by Rachel Clift. This movement art exploration was done as part of a four part series on the four elements of matter.

  • Rose (2023) - Orquevaux, France

    A moving meditation in communication with the paint drippings left behind by the previous artist using this studio, and a gifted rose. The rose is connected to a Plantwave device and is generating the sound you hear. Created while in residence at Chateau Orquevaux.

  • Rituel du Soleil (2023) - Warwick, NY

    Impromptu movement art inspired by the study of the fire element, as well as a very early morning to give the dog some medicine. My husband and creative partner in crime suggested the sunrise work period!

    Filmed at Wickam Lake in Warwick, NY.

  • Mandala II (2022) - En Plein Air Festival - Warwick, NY

    Improvisation based upon the 5 elements as well as a flower mandala Victoria witnessed being created in Bangalore, India in 2018. First rendition of this solo was performed in Dumbo, NY in 2018 right after her travels. Her style now reflects the fusion of Kay Nishikawa’s “texturalization” technique with her own love of ritual, meditation, and her modern dance background.

  • Lightland (2021) - Warwick, NY

    A moving meditation in communication with the lush land, breeze, and birds of Warwick. Improvised during a hit of inspiration at sunset in one take.

  • Divinitree (2021) - Pasadena, CA

    An impromptu improvisation inspired by a lone bench and nearby tree at sunset, as well as the surrounding landscape in Pasadena, CA.

  • "Five Domestic Acts" (2019) Palo Alto, CA

    Victoria performs a solo for Act 1 of “Five Domestic Acts” - a collaboration with Martha Sakellariou, Lauren Daniluk, Kristin Damrow and other artists expressing layered storytelling about womanhood and domesticity.

  • Reliquary- An Ascent (2019) Santa Monica, CA

    “Artist, Doni Silver Simons, traverses painting, performance and installation art creating works that produce residue as evidence. Reliquary: An Ascent, created for and premiering at the 2019 Jerusalem Biennale, emerged from an act of vandalism. It explores the process required to achieve a resolution.”

Tina Croll & Company Highlights

  • Tina Croll & Company at Jacob's Pillow (2014)

    Tina Croll & Company at Jacob's Pillow (2014)

    Tina Croll & Company perform a compilation of works at Jacob’s Pillow on their famous outdoor stage.

  • "Balkan Dreams" at Bryant Park Dance Festival (2018)

    The company performs “Balkan Dreams” outdoors in Bryant Park in Manhattan, NYC.

  • "The Stamping Ground" at The 92nd Street Y, NYC (2016)

    One of several pieces danced as part of Tina Croll’s evening length performance at the 92nd Street Y in NYC. The dancers enjoyed the stage after a 6 month residency in this historic space.

More film, art, and installation work from NYC and beyond.

  • Documentary Style Film by Nick Saretzky - "465 meters/sec" (2016) - Kochi, Japan

    A peek into our site-specific creation for the Makino Botanical Garden in Kochi, Japan. This landmark piece for K2 Dance & Art’s 35th anniversary was created by Kay Nishikawa and in collaboration with local dancers from Kochi.

  • "On Display" by Heidi Latsky at Lincoln Center (2018)

    “Heidi Latsky Dance's ON DISPLAY, performed at Lincoln Center. Dancers dress in these wearable art pieces created by high school students at NuVu Studio.” For more information visit HLD.

  • Music video for "Darling" by Centaurus

    Had the pleasure of modeling as part of this incredible music video directed by Steven Weinzierl. Written by Mieka Jewett and Al Carpenito.