Cat Mahari’s practice is built from a richly layered body history, stemming from an archive of research, physical training and intent to manifest an intellectual, material and informal legacy of Blk liberation through documentation. By examining personal marks and socio-genealogical maps, she explores inner and outer environments. She finds that movement reveals an inherent awkwardness, strength, wildness, and humor sourced from the liminal language of experiences. Mahari is a culture bearer of Hip Hop and House; former member of the Krump family Gool, with a BFA in dance performance from UMKC and MA in performance, practice, and research from RCCSD.
“Blk Ark: the Impossible Manifestation is a multimodal project consisting of a live performance, community co-created sound score, and a scholarly digital publication. Inspired by Ẹsẹ̀ntáyé, a Yoruba ceremony wherein a baby’s destiny is revealed. Blk Ark is a destiny of marronage. I wish to reflect on fugitive movements from enslavement, bondage and journeys to a new world. In embodiment of Hip Hop’s wildstyle - we outside.”