Croquis a new durational performance, staged and costume designed by Ralph Escamillan. The solo explores the idea of a “croquis”—a quick, expressive sketch of a garment or ensemble that brings an artist's design to life. In this case the pencil is the body and the paper becomes a modular canvas. The solo tussles with one's desire to imprint and archive themself into space.
Inital creation starting in 2023 - present
VAG RESIDENCY 2023
Ralph was invited to the Vancouver Art Gallery to explore this new work, through the Material MattersLab Here//Too//For in 2023. He had time to incubate my ideas and explore how to realize packing paper, inspired by his textile work PIÑA in the crafting of fibers, into a costume for a new solo work.
Inspired by his mentor, the late Tedd Robinson, he leaned into the ball gown/skirt as my initial pattern. Using pleating and chord making Ralph was able was able to construct a garment that used zero glue, tape, or anything other than the paper fiber’s itself. With mentorship of Hélène Day Fraser and Keith Doyle of the Material MattersLab, he was also able to get guidance in how to further problem solve the performative parts of the work - and their keen knowledge in construction and materiality.
The first version of the performance was done in mid September 2023 - and with excitment gained interest by Canada presenters for the following years.
In 2025 Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers, one of canada oldset contemporary dance companies - offered to expand the piece into a 1hour full length work with its company dancers. Working with Ralph’s past work of Tedd Robinson work “Camping Out” (1967), he adjoined the two pieces into an evening that paid homage the late artist.
Photo by Leaf Norman - Featuring Carol-Ann Bohrn, Reymark Capacete, Ralph Escamillan, Julious Gambalan
THE DRESS
The main “croquis dress” take a minimum of 8 hrs to create - which only account for the folding/ prepping of paper. The chord making take even more time, averaging 20-30minute for 1 meeter of paper chord. To get volume for the dress, there are 3 layers of skirts in varying lengths, similar to having a petticoat - all joined together with pleating and chord.
THE JUMPING SUIT
Created in collaboration with both Daria Mikaliyuk and more recently with Aldeneil Española, the “jumping suite” come at the end of the performance. This suite, similar to the dress, take a large amount of prep time aswell - with closer to 4-5hrs total of prep to build.
THE HAT
Is made using fan like pleating, joined with chord through the centre.
COMING SOON
January 7, 2025 - Capitol Theatre - Nelson, BC
PAST PERFORMANCES
November 19-21 - Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers, Winnipeg, MB
September 20, 2025 - Luna Festival - Revelstoke, BC
June 27, 2025 - Remai Modern Gallery (Saskatoon, SK)
November 21, 2024 - Dance In Vancouver at The Dance Centre (Vancouver, BC)
May 31-June 2, 2024 - Guelph Dance Festival (Guelph, ON)
June 18/19, 2024 - Dancing On The Edge Festival (Vancouver, BC)
August 16-29, 2023 - Flight Festival (Prince Edward County, ON)
PHOTO
Creative Direction: Ralph Escamillan (FakeKnot) - Art Direction: Daria Mikhailiuk - Photography: David Cooper - MUA: Isabella Cooke - Costume: Ralph Escamillan and Daria Mikhailiuk
REVIEWS
The Vancouver Arts Review - DIV 2024