A Higher Frequency

Play, Lay, Aye: Act 6 by GeoVanna Gonzalez was everything we hoped for and more than we could have imagined.

A performance installation that opened to the public at Untitled Art during Miami Art Week in December 2023, GeoVanna’s latest rendition of this ongoing series featured movement artists Maria Burt and Alondra Balbuena, and musicians Claudens Louis and King Friday. Play, Lay, Aye: Act 6 examines the discourse around public and private space, explores movement as a form of political action, and looks at what it means to be seen and occupy space.

“There were unexpected elements, notably the rain,” said the artist. “[It’s as if] the performance seamlessly concluded with a light rainfall. I remember talking about how the music seemed to invoke a rainy day, and remarkably, that’s just what happened at the very end.” When asked about learnings, GeoVanna explains, “I continually discover and reencounter the profound allure of performance. It serves as a summons, resonating spiritually, politically, and socially. Its capacity to captivate an audience compels us to pause, absorb, and sit with a tangible and emotional resonance.”

With these high vibrations, we’re stepping into the New Year.

Overwhelming gratitude to movement artists Maria Burt and Alondra Balbuena, musicians Claudens Louis and King Friday, and to GeoVanna and her dedicated crew. Thank you to Chief, Untitled Art, and the Commissioner teams for their thoughtful partnership. Presenting Play, Lay, Aye has been an incredible honor made all the more special by the ongoing and consistent support of Commissioner members over the years. Big love to everyone for coming out to show their support. Photos by Chantal Lawrie.