In the spirit of experimentation, which lies at the heart of Xanti Schawinsky’s work, we invite you to take part in an interactive workshop where we will attempt to expand the boundaries of our perceptions of, and relationship with, art. Using Schawinsky’s and Monster Chetwynd’s exhibition as a starting point, musician and singer Nancy Breyer will guide you on a journey to redefine how we experience art and what it means to us individually, using our voice, movements and the associative elements of synesthesia.

You can expect to blur the boundaries of different art forms and to expand the associative power of your mind as you explore abstract and graphic musical notations, used by artists such as John Cage or Cathy Berberian, and apply this method to certain pieces in the exhibition. The workshop will culminate in a short presentation of the participants’ interpretations.

Born in Luxembourg in 1994, Breyer is a classically trained singer. Her interest in interdisciplinary art forms and contemporary music, alongside her classical singing training, led her to co-compose a piece called Umsonst based on György Kurtag’s abstract notation system (and performed in 2017). In 2022 Breyer created two vocal pieces with Indian composer Jithu Bas, combining Indian and western classical music. She has also worked as a chorus member with Opera Zuid and the Stadttheater Aachen and toured with them across several European countries.

Just as comfortable behind the scenes as on stage, Breyer has also worked as assistant director with Björn Reinke on Elisir d’amore(2020) and with Julia Mintzer on the American Music Festival (2022). She made her debut as a director in 2023 with Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine, singing the role of ‘Une Femme’ herself.

Recently she has organised a series of regular movement workshops for children and a concert in Rosario, Argentina.