WHISTLE PORTRAITS (2018)
A Collaboration by Linda Mary Montano, Jennifer Zackin & Nina Isabelle
HiLo, Catskill, NY
In response to the turbulence of contemporary times, Whistle Portraits was conceived as a form of public art medicine, offering connection, understanding, and warmth. As Linda Mary Montano stated, “During these dangerous/confusing/armageddonned times, we are all looking for connection, understanding, and warmth. The three of us are committed to providing public art medicine. ART=LIFE=ART.”
At HiLo in Catskill, NY, audience members were invited to become collaborators by sitting onstage to receive a public art healing. Whistle Portraits evolved from Piano Portraits, a performance in which Linda Montano improvised individual piano portraits, Nina Isabelle interpreted participants through movement and action, and Jennifer Zackin engaged in knot-tying rituals.
Incorporating elements such as knots, rope, sunglasses, costumes, blindfolds, movement, and sound, Piano Portraits created an interactive experience of collective healing, embodying the belief that art has the power to transform both publicly and personally. Whistle Portraits expanded on this concept—volunteers sat as performers whistled their portraits, transforming the act into a collaborative extension of the original piece. While Piano Portraits focused on holding space energetically through structured activities, Whistle Portraits brought the performers together in a shared sonic and performative experience.
Performance documentation photos by Adolfo Ibáñez Ayerve
Event photo by Carrie Dashow