Still from film Josephine and the Leopard made with Webb-Ellis .
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Jade Montserrat is an artist based in Scarborough, England. After her performance, ‘Shadowing Josephine’ — part of the British Art Show 2016 at Outpost Gallery in Norwich, UK— UNDERPASS had the chance to meet the artist in person and later discuss her influences for the ’Rainbow Tribe’ project.
It’s not often that one chances upon a performance that leaves a strong impression, but I was fortunate enough to chance upon Jade Montserrat's ‘Shadowing Josephine’ at Outpost gallery in Norwich. The performance yields as a apart of Montserrat's ‘Rainbow Tribe’ project that aims to look into radical forms of self expression. With Josephine Baker central to the project, Jade’s sexual frankness and endurance made for a fascinating watch. In a relatively small space, Montserrat commandeered the audience, with her naked frame and well rehearsed. re-
peated choreography to a rhythm that boomed heavy and bold . With only a snippet of the original three hour version, it was clear that her body transcended entertainment value and spoke directly to the history of black sexuality and its public profit. In an almost childlike fashion, Montserrat toyed with her audience, pushing herself and the viewers to the point of exhaustion. In Jade’s words: “I’m aware that I’ve got a black body, so it’s not so much my body shape, but people are buying into the commercial
** Edits have been made to ‘Shadowing Josephine’ post-publishing.
enterprise of their body. “ Jade’s body mimics the jangling limbs of an icon in a performance that can best be defined as self aware- a willingness to accept the consensual offering of a proud black woman. One need only look at a brief synopsis of Baker’s life to understand what truth is at the core of this performance. With post performance congratulations, Jade prompted a silent moment, to re-evaluate ourselves as more than bodies—as entities with stories. A definite must see.