Bermuda,
Performative Video Work, 2011.  

In the performantive video Bermuda, Danica Knežević delves into hidden stories that challenge the status quo and transform her own identity. One such story is that of Pope Joan, a woman who disguised herself as a man to pursue her devotion to God. This historical account highlights the complexities of gender roles and how they can impact one's social status. Through this work, Knežević presents a representation of this story and invites viewers to reflect on its implications. The setting for this artwork is the infamous Bermuda Triangle, a place known for unexplainable phenomena. Here, Bermuda serves as a metaphor for the forces that maintain societal norms. However, in Knežević’s work, Bermuda reaches her breaking point and challenges the status quo.

Pope Joan is an invisible historical figure of the middle ages. While researching I began to wonder about what it is like to be invisible while performing a heightened self: the public self or the performative self. To be visible yet invisible, to imposter but also to have the very human longing of touch, of love. The image inverts the gesture of hands praying and mimics that gesture of touching an other. Alas the hand is touching it other counterpart but here they are trying to reach or touch themselves. The same hand, mimicking, impersonating the other.

Artwork by (including prop, stage, sound design and costume design) by Danica Knezevic

Bermuda, Pope Joan and Society played by Danica Knezevic.

Minister played by Robert Finder.
Sound Producer: Robert Finder
Vocals John Komadina
Camera Operations: Kristine Barrett
Audio visual installation, 5.1 surround sound, three screens.
This work was first exhibited in Sydney, 18th Nov 2009.