Oana Stanciu

My work combines performance, photography and moving image where I use my body and different objects and environments to create unnatural and subtly distorted self portraits. In each image I am trying to turn myself into a new character or creature that might look a bit unusual or surreal. I often do so by playing with everyday objects, trying to give them different meanings - for example using a tree trunk as a leg, or shaping my hair into buffalo horns. As well as working with found object I have also started making my own. For the last few years, I have been experimenting with sculpture and ceramics to create unusual body extensions and wearable sculptures to use in my performances for the camera.

Most of my work features black and white photographs, often accompanied by short videos that help bring the characters to life. The videos usually involve repetitive movements and are often presented in a tryptic format with mirrored effects and subtle distortions. In 2017, I worked entirely with moving image, creating a stand-alone, immersive video installation over nine monitors around ideas of repetition and rituals, and this year I made a 14 minute video piece as part of an immersive installation inspired by extinction and rewilding, working in collaboration with a dancer, live musicians and set design.

My practice also involves a lot of improvisation and play and in 2018 I developed a project exploring this process. Over the course of a ten day exhibition, I improvised with objects suggested by the public to create new images every day, documenting the process so people could follow it in real time on social media.

 
I have also collaborated with different musicians and artists such as Kathryn Joseph (winner of the Scottish Album of the Year award), Tinderbox Orchestra and other composers, creating music videos, set designs, artwork and live visuals.