Visitors experiencing Danielle Freakley's work Please Say, rethinking how they connect and communicate.
ECU alumna Danielle Freakley made waves on the global art stage with her groundbreaking installation at the Venice Biennale 2024.
Often described as the "Olympics of the art world," the Biennale is a prestigious platform for artists worldwide. Representing the Seychelles Pavilion in the historic Arsenale, Freakley's work, Please Say, captivated audiences with its innovative exploration of communication, social interaction, and human connection.
Danielle Freakley's success at the Venice Biennale is a proud moment for ECU, showcasing the university's commitment to fostering creative excellence. Her work exemplifies the innovative spirit nurtured at ECU and highlights the global impact of its alumni.
A Unique Approach to Social Practice Art
Freakley's Please Say reimagined dialogue, transforming it into an immersive experience that blended sound, performance, and interaction. This participatory project invited audiences to engage in conversations using the "Please Say" method, a playful yet profound approach that challenges traditional communication structures.
Participants were encouraged to prompt others by saying "say," opening the door for intuitive responses that can be repeated, adapted, or reimagined.
This give-and-take process fosters empathy, vulnerability, and creativity, offering a new way to connect and co-script daily life.
Audiences are provided with wearable green straps, bags, or pendants, signalling their readiness to participate. These tools extend the experience beyond the Biennale, allowing participants to engage in Please Say conversations in everyday life, deepening relationships and challenging how we communicate.
The buzz of the Biennale with people wearing the 'Please Say' straps signalling their readiness to participate in conversation.
A Fitting Backdrop: The Biennale Theme
The Biennale's 2024 theme, "Foreigners Everywhere," served as an ideal context for Freakley's installation. Through her work, she reflected on crowd dynamics, social exchange, and the ebb and flow of human interaction in Venice's bustling environment. Her contribution was part of the Seychelles Pavilion’s broader exploration of identity, culture, and communication, alongside fellow artists Jude Ally, Ryan Chetty, and Juliette Zelime (aka Jadez).
Freakley's sculptures, inspired by Seychelles' underwater landscapes, further connect her work to themes of discovery and hidden depths. Like the submerged continent beneath Seychelles, Please Say uncovers the unseen layers of human connection and shared narratives.
Rooted in Innovation and Creativity
Freakley's artistic journey began at ECU, where she honed her skills in performance, social practice, and sculpture. Known for her experimental approach to language and communication, she has exhibited at world-renowned institutions, including Tate Liverpool, the Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney, and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Her work often delves into the complexities of social dynamics, historical relationships, and the re-authorship of narratives.
From learning her cousin's invented language to speaking exclusively in quotes for years, Freakley's innovative projects expose the hidden subtexts and power dynamics within communication, pushing the boundaries of social practice art.
A Collaborative Creation
Freakley's Please Say is supported by an exceptional team, including:
- Ghost Curators: Raimundo's MalaĊĦauskas & Rory Macbeth
- Facilitators: Ghostartschool
- Artistic Producers: Rory Macbeth & Vittoria Mornacchi
- Assistant Curator: Elia Rosa Guirousamasse
- Assistant Dramaturg: Maarten Van den Bussche
Visit Danielle Freakley's Official Website to learn more.
