Wendy Morgan summons high art and street dance to capture the allure of Brussels-based Congolese artist Lous, for her El Guincho-produced debut Dilemme.

Focusing on formations and composition, we see Lous and her backup artists in a variety of different settings, creating the same shapes and choreography in each one. Juxtaposing high fashion historical concepts, complete with palacial interiors and true to era wardrobe, with the raw energy of the street, the clash of ideas is a whirlwind of fashion and beautiful cinematography by Joel Honeywell. 

Lous does great work as she maintains a subdued yet emotional performance, and the frenetic and experimental energy of the Yakuza provides a balance to the action. The makeup and hair are suitably anachronistic, blending ideas from older time periods with futuristic fantasy, and the maximalist approach really pays off here. A marvellous introduction to an intriguing new artist.

WENDY MORGAN:

“I thought a lot about the intense contrasts of Lous’ life and the feelings I got from the song which where never being at ease, and being constantly studied. I wanted to show her resilience and find joy and kinship on top of those sad lyrics. The dancers in London and Paris recreate the spirit of Lous’ real life Yakuza - the brotherhood who have supported her pursuit of art. 

"Lous' ability to fill each contrasting space with a different mood was a big part of the concept, and I looked to Bernini, Géricault and the Brooklyn based painter, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, to find emotional, sculptural moments to mark each one.  “Dilemme" is really searching for beauty in its most honest form."