Anatomy of Melancholy

Nuria Fragoso is a Mexican artist, dancer, and performer whose work explores the phenomenon of space as a social reality and as shaper of human relationships. A recipient of a DANCE MOViES Commission, Fragoso came to EMPAC first to research, and then to complete post-production on Anatomy of Melancholy. Shot in Mexico in contrasting environments including stark black-and-white interiors and a parched desert environment, the film uses visual metaphors about space and emotion to portray the quality of melancholy in social groups, catalyzed by the inadequacy of communication between individuals. Choreographed collectively by the performers, the film was edited in residence by Fragoso and Martha Uc; also working in residence, Antonio Russek created the film’s original sound.