Biography
Artist Statement:
My art is a journey through grief and transformation, a way for me to understand and move through difficult experiences. I create performances that are often quiet and slow, using simple, everyday materials. These actions become personal rituals, helping me find moments of peace and change.
I focus on small, intentional movements that, even if subtle, have a strong presence. My work tells stories through visuals and the body, honoring its vulnerability and beauty – how it ages, changes, and how my own body is constantly evolving. I'm drawn to actions that repeat or cycle, mirroring how we grow, let go, and transform. These rituals create a space for me to look inward and build inner strength. Often, they involve my body interacting with its surroundings, exploring the connection between my internal world and the world outside.
Lately, my projects have centered on the idea of finding closure, exploring ways to process and transform. This has led me to use things that don't last, like natural elements, reflecting how both materials and the act of letting go are temporary. This approach brings a sense of lightness and adaptability, acknowledging the natural rhythms of healing and how resilient the body can be.
As I navigate my own gender transition, a significant personal transformation, my art is becoming deeply connected to themes of change, impermanence, and the body as a fluid and evolving landscape. I want my performances to be personal tools for my journey and also shared spaces where others can find support. I truly believe that art can connect us, and my work aims to foster moments of both vulnerability and strength, inviting connection and reflection for me and for those who experience these performances.
About the Artist:
Yell Freeman (they/she) is a performance artist and researcher based in Brooklyn, New York. Yell explored visual art at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2011 with a focus on sculpture. They then continued their studies at the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan, Ireland, receiving a Master of Fine Arts degree in 2013, concentrating on video and performance art. Yell continues to work primarily in these mediums, crafting visual sequences and movements that delve into the processes of grief, healing, and growth.
In 2021, Yell earned a Master's in Curatorial Practice in Performance through Wesleyan University's ICPP Program, driven by a deep interest in how performance can aid in grief work. Beyond their artistic and curatorial endeavors, Yell has an active career in freelance arts and collections management for artist studios, as well as artwork installation and handling for galleries and museums throughout New York City.