Stan Douglas Explores Flamenco's Censorship for Luma Arles Exhibition 'Bodies Never Lie'
Canadian artist Stan Douglas was invited by Luma Arles to create a project for the exhibition "Bodies Never Lie." He chose to focus on flamenco, specifically the period when it was banned in areas controlled by Franco during the Spanish Civil War and later permitted after the war but only if performed by "authentic" Spaniards. This restriction meant that the music's original creators in Andalusia—the Romani people—were no longer allowed to perform it publicly for a living. Douglas notes that they continued to play among themselves and for themselves. The exhibition is presented by Luma Arles, and Douglas's project reflects his longstanding interest in flamenco's complex history under Franco's regime.
Key facts
- Stan Douglas is a Canadian artist.
- Luma Arles invited Stan Douglas to produce a project for the exhibition "Bodies Never Lie."
- Douglas focused on flamenco, particularly its prohibition in Franco-controlled zones during the Spanish Civil War.
- After the war, flamenco was allowed again but only if performed by "authentic" Spaniards.
- The original creators of flamenco in Andalusia were the Romani people (gitans).
- Under Franco's post-war rules, Romani people were banned from performing flamenco publicly for a living.
- Douglas states that the Romani continued to play flamenco among themselves and for themselves.
- The exhibition "Bodies Never Lie" is organized by Luma Arles.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Luma Arles
Locations
- Arles
- France
- Andalusia
- Spain