BALLETS RUSSES: CONCEALED HISTORIES

ONLINE // LONDON, UK

29 May - 29 June 2020

Archive research and installation views of Ballets Russes: Concealed Histories Research Display at Chelsea College of Arts, 2020.

Images by Seowon Nam and Celina Loh

Ballets Russes: Concealed Histories is the MA Curating and Collections interim show 2020. The exhibition presented a survey of Ballets Russes garments, showcasing myriad details that contributed to their recognition as one of the most influential ballet companies of the 20th century. It examined how the costumes offer a historical and contemporary reconsideration of the ballet troupe in terms of its design, choreography and music.

Initially intended to be held at the Triangle Space, the exhibition went through several phases to adapt to Covid-19 measures. Utilising resources we gathered thus far, we first organised a research display at the Exhibition Studio Workshop (ESW), at Chelsea College of Arts. As it wasn't opened to the public, we critically deliberated and reconfigured our curatorial methods to engage with wider audiences. Later, the exhibtion was fully adapted to an online platform with interactive activities.