kevin jesuino
As an interdisciplinary artist of Portuguese heritage, 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.
I am an interdisciplinary artist whose practice spans performance, socially engaged art, digital media, and teaching. Since 2004, I have developed a diverse portfolio that includes performances, temporary public artworks, participatory installations, process-oriented and community-driven. My work centers the public in an exchange of care and co-creation, with a deep desire for collective emancipation. My artistic vision draws from the post-studio movement, performance art, theatre/dance, queer activism, and place-based inquiry. Themes of public and private space, access, neighbourhood relations, the theatre of everyday life, uncertainty, gender and sexuality, urbanism, and unseen history shape my process, which is deeply embodied and experiential.
With formal training in theatre, dance, media, and somatic education, I hold an MFA in Contemporary Arts from Simon Fraser University, a BFA in Interdisciplinary Performance from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, and a Theatre Arts diploma from MacEwan University. I am also a registered Somatic Educator with ISMETA. Whether presenting in galleries, theatres, community halls, on top of parking lots, in back alleys, on the public right-of-way, or on the street, my work invites participants to navigate complex social questions through embodied practices that foster participation, connection, and transformative actions using the liberating tools of the arts.
I have collaborated and presented public projects, performances, community arts-based research, 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, Mount Royal University, Trico Changemaker Studio, Mount Royal Choral Association, Artio Choir, Springboard Performance, ContainR Art Park, Festival of Animated Objects, Antyx Community Arts, 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 Thailand; as well as ARTEerra Residências Rurais Artisticas and Espaço do Tempo in Portugal.
The following are professional associations that I am a registered member with:
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Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists (CADA West)
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International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA)
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International Teaching Artist Collaborative (ITAC)
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Canadian Artist Representation (CARFAC) British Columbia
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Performance Studies International (PSi)
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Yoga Alliance
GET IN TOUCH
kevinjesuino(at)gmail.com