“Hunter/Gatherer” is an examination of inherited male archetypes and an exploration of how those ideas may evolve into a more generative experience today.

The purpose of this show is to encourage a conversation about what can be claimed and celebrated in a male experience and what it means to be a man today. It’s a creative entry point for parents and their children to discuss making choices about what kind of person they want to be. It’s a catalyst for men to find their own expression and move from a singular, narrow version of what it means to be man, to one of belonging and support.

The work is first experienced as a series of twelve 7’x5’ lenticular photographs, each depicting a contemporary presentation of a masculine archetype. Examples such as The Storyteller, Hunter-Gatherer, Violence, The Advocate, and The Green Man stand as rectangular monoliths, displayed in a large circle, facing outward, defining a center sacred space. Each includes an audio-recording of personal stories that relate to the individual archetype.

In the evening, dance solos are performed in the center, representing a deepening exploration of these archetypes. During the day, the photographs are rotated toward the middle where all images are visible simultaneously. Working closely with community organizers, the center space will be programmed with a creative array of social uses. Men’s therapeutic groups meet and see how they are affected by the imagery. Collegiate social science studies and discussion groups gather to discuss the impact of these archetypes.

I am interested in responding to a conflicted moment in history in notions of masculinity with a generative, creative invitation. Expanding upon my experience in dance for the stage, I will stretch the boundaries of lenticular photography to present fully realized 3-dimensional animations that tell a story, additionally incorporating practical shadowbox elements to create literal and metaphorical depth. Utilizing a robust, community-based approach, the viewer will be provided a place of creative awe and can discover new ways of thinking and seeing themselves and others. Rather than focus on conflict and flaw, this work invites the viewer to both understand more deeply and to celebrate a positive version of masculinity. Through dreaming, opening new and community-supportive ways of being and discovering what can only be said without words. In my experience of the dance-world, the ephemeral nature of performance is satisfying in its own way, but I am curious about a more definitive outcome, to somehow break apart the complex code of place, shape, tension, emotion, and vibration and experience its details through a microscope…utilizing these discoveries to explore the myths of existence.

As a man who grew up in rural Kansas, I am curious to learn what archetypal elements of being a man I am allowed to participate in and finding what it is that bonds me to all men and if there are in fact experiences that are crucial to gender expression. The historical, spiritual, and mythic stories I have inherited, I seek to splay open and reinvent and most importantly, provide an opening for something new.

Every element of this project is present to facilitate a supported, creative dialogue that welcomes the viewer to embellish their own story. I begin by engaging the audience’s imagination with practical magic meant to engage childlike awe. From this supple place, audio recordings of people sharing their experiences help the viewer associate their own identifications with the images. The dance performance will incorporate a diverse vocabulary of movement mediums and further add usable colors for the viewer. Finally, the use of the space by curated and varied local groups, gives room for the expression of what they have discovered.

The origin of this idea as a touring show came from a conversation with a presenter in Lubbock, Texas. Upon hearing the concept, she immediately offered to present it. Her reason being that she doesn’t have opportunities to talk about these things with her son. To have a creative entry point would be invaluable for her.

I think of people who live in my home state of Kansas who now feel lost within the light shining on eons of a non-generative expression of masculinity, with no viable alternative. The final show will tour to communities underexposed to this kind of discussion.

A key thought partner in developing this project is strategist Michael Bracy. Together, we have explored the shape of the exhibition, the types of communities that would be ideal hosts and establishing a sequencing of events. Most relevant to today’s conversation, Michael’s expertise in the non-fiction film and television communities has been instrumental in exploring the best formats and approaches to capture the spirit of the project for vast audiences.

Michael has been a leading strategist on arts, film and community engagement for over two decades. He manages outreach and engagement for documentary films; was commissioned by the National Endowment for the Arts to lead a research initiative on the sustainability of the independent documentary sector; founded two major music advocacy non-profits; founded and co-owned an independent record label and teaches a Music Industry seminar at Georgetown University.

He has been a friend and collaborator for many years and is helping shape the community engagement and documentary components of Hunter/Gatherer.

Arielle Kiker is a director/producer with a remarkable track record. She developed, produced, co-directed, and was a supervising editor on the first season of the six-time Emmy-nominated, three-time Emmy-winning docuseries Cheer. Her experiences with feature documentaries, docu-series, streaming platforms, public broadcasting and basic cable channels provides the kind of real-world experiences necessary to serve as our consulting producer.

Most importantly, Arielle is excited about the vision of this project. In talking with Michael and myself, she sees a clear throughline between her past and future projects and the conversations we aim to spur through Hunter/Gatherer.