kevin jesuino

As an interdisciplinary artist of Portuguese descent, I move through the land as an uninvited guest on the traditional territories of the Nehiyaw, Denesuliné, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe and Niitsitapi people in Treaty 6 territory, the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations) in Treaty 7, and within the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

 

Since 2004, I've crafted a diverse portfolio spanning interdisciplinary performances, temporary public art, participatory works, pedagogy, and interventions.

 

My artistic vision is deeply collaborative, process-oriented, and politically/socially engaged, drawing inspiration from the post-studio movement, theatre/dance, performance art, participatory practice, dematerialization, and activism. I delve into themes ranging from public and private landscapes, theatre of everyday life, uncertainty, urbanism, masculinity, queer history, and place-based knowledge.

 

My creative process intertwines movement, performance, participatory practice, pedagogy, and performative inquiry, resulting in site-specific and socially engaged works. At the core of my artistic mission lies the exploration of power dynamics, access, participation, and authority. Through a fusion of performative actions, discussions, and innovative pedagogy, my ephemeral, short, and long-term projects aim to empower the public to shape their own futures while navigating the complexities of contemporary experience and interpersonal dynamics.

 

My portfolio spans a variety of presentation venues, from formal galleries and theatres to grassroots initiatives, festivals, residencies, conferences, and educational institutions, showcasing my versatility across diverse artistic contexts.

 

With a commitment to community co-authoring, I have collaborated and presented public projects, performances and workshops with various organizations, including Heath Initiative for Men, All Bodies Dance and Theatre Terrific in Vancouver, BC. Additionally, I have partnered with The Alex Community Food Centre, Trico Changemaker Studio, Mount Royal Choral Association, Artio Choir, Springboard Performance, ContainR Art Park and Crescent Heights Community Association in Calgary, AB. My engagements extend to the Central Okanagan School District, Kelowna Pride Centre, the Alternator Gallery for Contemporary Arts, Rotary Centre for the Arts, Woodhaven Regional Park, and the Okanagan Arts Council in Kelowna, BC; Raindogs Art Gallery, MUMU Art Gallery, White Space Art Gallery, TRASHER Bangkok, and Sarasas Ektra Private Bilingual School in Bangkok, Thailand; as well as ARTEerra Residências Rurais Artisticas and Espaço do Tempo in Portugal.