Cicatrix: An immersive art experience at Turnage Theatre

Published 10:10 am Wednesday, September 11, 2024

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For Washington artist Amat, her art exhibit Cicatrix – which means the scar left behind by a wound – is reflective of her journey over the last year. Six months ago she was hit by a car and suffered numerous injuries which resulted in scarring and a lot of metal in her body, an experience she knows others will relate to as well.

“Before I was injured I used to do paintings of women with similar scars,” said Amat. “And for me they are really, really fascinating. The show is representative of both physical and mental scars that we as women may suffer, thus the matriarch theme. I see it as kind of a memoriam about our healing. So, I wanted the title to be vague with an oddly specific narrative.”

Amat said Cicatrix will be similar to the concept of the traveling Van Gogh immersive art exhibition but with her personal touch. “It will feature my art, along with special lighting, sound, and performers playing the female matriarch characters in costumes and full makeup, as depicted in displayed art,” said Amat. “It will be an immersive experience for the audience in that the performers will interact with them throughout the event. I encourage those who attend to engage with the performers.”

Bronté Labbé, the visual arts curator and engagement director for the Beaufort County Art Council (BCAC), said Cicatrix should prove to be a very exciting event, as BCAC tries to spread its wings with regard to what it offers the public. “We are trying to lean on our vision for the community, which is to make sure all Beaufort County residents have access to high-quality, unique, and special art experiences and opportunities,” said Labbé. “It really is a combination of what we do at the Turnage, which showcases the performing arts and visually based arts and is a very cool way of doing so. We hope this will be the first of many of its kind.”

Cicatrix is a ticketed event and will be held at the Turnage Theatre on Sept. 14-15. Doors will open at 7 pm. There will be no seating or a stage, as they want the experience to be as immersive and interactive as possible.