Life in NYC can be known for having moments of complete surprises, which can lead to unforgettable experiences. Such was the case one phenomenal evening at the Meta Betties Art Gallery, where the inspired collaboration of Kanami Kusajima and Carlota Perez de Castro brought an extraordinary performance to life. We look to dive into their creative journeys, the inception of their partnership, and the profound impact of their art on the audience.

Meet the Artists

Kanami Kusajima

Photography by: @non.sleeper @ Washington Square Park

Kanami, originally from Japan, now resides in New York City. A dedicated dancer from the age of six, she pursued her passion through rigorous training and competitions in Japan. After moving to New York for college, she graduated during the pandemic and turned to street performances to connect with real people. This transition sparked her interest in live painting, merging dance with visual art, and ultimately led to her meeting Carlota.

Carlota Perez de Castro

Carlota, a gifted painter from Madrid, Spain, grew up in a family of artists. Her childhood was steeped in creativity, painting alongside her mother and family members. Carlota's artistic journey led her to exhibit her work globally, from Madrid to Australia. She sought to establish her artistic merit beyond her family's influence, successfully showcasing her art in various exhibitions.

The Collaboration

**Painted by:** ***Carlota Perez de Castro*** & ***Kanami Kusajima***

**Photography by:** ***@non.sleeper*** @ ***Meta Betties Gallery***

Carlota discovered Kanami performing in Washington Square Park, instantly feeling a profound connection. She left a note for Kanami, leading to their first meeting over coffee. They quickly realized their shared vision and decided to collaborate. With only two weeks in New York, they planned and executed their performance at Oculus with remarkable speed and synergy.

Their collaboration, held at Oculus, was a mesmerizing blend of dance and painting. Kanami began the performance with breath taking movements, gradually becoming more energized as Carlota introduced paint into the act. The performance symbolized creation, with Kanami’s dance and Carlota’s painting intertwining to depict the flow state artists aim for. The audience, captivated by their synergy, witnessed an intimate portrayal of artistic expression.

Photography by: @non.sleeper @ Meta Betties Gallery

The preparation was intense yet fluid. They rehearsed in Carlota’s studio, with Kanami selecting music that resonated deeply with their theme. The performance set, designed to evoke intimacy in the vast space of Oculus, enveloped the audience in a cloud of whiteness, drawing them into the personal journey of creation.

The performance was not just an artistic display but a powerful statement on the necessity of art in challenging times. Both artists emphasized the importance of bringing art to the streets, especially during the pandemic when traditional venues were closed. Their work reminded everyone of the profound human need for artistic expression and connection.

Carlota Perez de Castro and Kanami Kusajima’s collaboration at Oculus was a testament to the magic that happens when creative minds unite. Their performance transcended boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it. As an editor and an artist, I am inspired by their journey and look forward to future collaborations that continue to push the boundaries of art and dance.

"We steered it from the idea," Kusajima recalls, reflecting on the inception of the project. The concept was rooted in mental health awareness, and the Meta Betties Gallery accepted the performance for their Mental Health Awareness Month “Mind Matters” exhibit. Kusajima shared her vision with Perez de Castro, emphasizing the event's core themes and the symbolic use of green—a color representing nature, healing, and vitality. To Kusajima's surprise, Perez de Castro had been contemplating the same color. This synchronicity marked the beginning of their creative journey.

Photography: Bleu Pablo @ Meta Betties Gallery

For me, the performance was deeply emotional, especially when noting the isolation and longing for human touch experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kusajima and Perez de Castro's tactile interaction—passing paint and energy between them—really resonated with the audience, highlighting the profound human need for physical connection. Kusajima recalls the special significance of touch during a time when it was restricted, describing the experience as both emotionally overwhelming and healing.

Kusajima's experience was empowered by the technical and creative collaboration with Perez de Castro. Used to calligraphy ink, Kusajima adapted to the textures and properties of acrylic paint, observing how Perez de Castro's color compositions transformed their shared space. This sensory-rich process allowed Kusajima to learn through touch, sight, and sound, enhancing her understanding of the interplay between movement and visual art.

For Perez de Castro, the dynamic of the performance was unique. Unlike her usual guided work with dancers, she embraced Kusajima's spontaneous and intuitive movements. Perez de Castro cherished the moments of observation and support, finding a balance between leading and following. This mutual respect and flexibility underscored their partnership, making the performance both powerful and authentic.

Via Youtube: Kanami Kusajima and Carlota Perez de Castro Performance @metabetties "Mind Matters" Exhibition

The spontaneity of their collaboration was epitomized by the serendipitous nature of their meeting and the decision to proceed with the performance despite the official event's cancellation. Kusajima's determination and Perez de Castro's enthusiasm turned potential disappointment into an opportunity for artistic expression.

When asked about advice for emerging artists, both Kusajima and Perez de Castro emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing imperfection. "Jump, do it. It doesn't have to be perfect. Learn on the way," Perez de Castro advises. Kusajima echoes this sentiment, urging artists to remain their biggest fans and to believe in their unique vision, even in the face of rejection.

Kusajima's journey is a testament to resilience. Despite facing numerous rejections and contemplating changing her major, she continued to dance because of her unwavering belief in her own style. Her story illustrates the importance of self-confidence, especially in the often challenging world of art.’

The collaboration between Kusajima and Perez de Castro in serves as a powerful reminder of art's ability to connect, heal, and inspire. Their journey from concept to performance highlights the significance of human touch and the enduring power of creativity. For Kusajima, Perez de Castro, and Pablo, the project was not just an artistic endeavor but a deeply personal experience that underscored the transformative nature of art.

As Kusajima eloquently puts it, "At the end of the day, you are the only person who can believe in yourself until the last moment." This belief, coupled with the courage to embrace vulnerability and imperfection, lies at the heart of their artistic success and serves as a guiding light for emerging artists everywhere.

Written by: Bleu Pablo

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