Brendan Fernandes

Encomium

2011

The work "Encomium" is inspired by Plato's "Symposium", a classical text in which love is examined through speeches of praise. In a display of physicality, endurance and prowess, two men perform a dance as described and instructed by three narrative texts written by the artist that refer specifically to the speech of Phaedrus, in which he describes the asymmetrical love between a man and a younger male lover. In the work, Fernandes explores the way in which codes of language are articulated through classical ballet, and the way dance acts like any other language form, creating barriers that allow for understanding within specific groups and communities.