Interdisciplinary artist Feras Shaheen invites us into his process of experimentation, showcasing the importance of failure, risk and collaboration. In this TEDx (walk &) talk, Feras works with collaborators Azzam and Yuki to guide us through how experimentation is core to his practice, and his life. It’s a reminder to us all that experimentation isn’t just an artistic practice, but something we can all embrace in our own lives.
Video Credits, Klapping: Co-Creators, Feras Shaheen and Ahilan Ratnamohan. Sound Design: Warren Abela
LODA, Choreography: Feras Shaheen in collaboration with dancers – Yuming LI, Neven Connolly, Samuel Free, Music Composer: DOBBY
Sound 1: ‘Again’ by Feras Shaheen, Sound 2: ‘Klapping Track for Newcastle’ by Warren Abela in collaboration with Feras Shaheen, Sound 3: ‘Re-Function’ by DOBBY in collaboration with Feras Shaheen
Image 1: ‘Plastic Bag – Right’ Directed and Choreographed by Feras Shaheen in collaboration with Dennis Ly, Image 2: ‘Forum Q’ Designed and Conceptualised by Feras Shaheen in collaboration with Campbelltown Arts Centre, Image 3: ‘The Bop’ Costume designed by Feras Shaheen and crafted by Karina Fjodorova Feras Shaheen is an artist curious in letting his conceptual interests lead him across a variety of mediums. Using choreography, installations, visual art, film, performance, digital media, and street dance to communicate his ideas, the core of Feras’ practice is to connect and engage audiences. Born in Dubai to Palestinian parents, and moving to Western Sydney at age 11, Feras uses his practice as a way to reflect and examine how he views the world, addressing local and global issues. Winner of The Australian Ballet’s Telstra Emerging Choreographer (TEC) in 2021, Feras has performed and exhibited at Carriageworks, Venice Biennale, Pari, Kampnagel, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Théâtre de la Ville. Holding a Bachelor of Design from Western Sydney University (2014), Feras often subverts traditional relationships between mediums to challenge audiences’ perspectives. Recent works include ‘Cross Cultures’, ‘Plastic Bag’, ongoing collaboration ‘Klapping’, and ‘Forum Q’. Feras is currently working with Marrugeku’s ‘Jurrungu Ngan-ga’, a collaborative production that addresses issues regarding the fear of cultural differences. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx