An elegant performance by MJ Harper

Over the past few years, artist MJ Harper has been creating and refining their project Arias for a New World. Finally, the culmination of their work came together in a performance piece that premiered at London’s Koko on Sunday 15 October to coincide with the close of Frieze London 2023.

Earlier versions of this performance had been presented at the Serpentine in collaboration with Grace Wales Bonner, and at the V&A at the invitation of Tim Walker. But this particular version, styled by Katy England in collaboration with Dior, represented the ambitious fusion of years of work into a single, stunning work of art.

Harper explores themes of eroticism, ritual, personal history, gesture, elegance and religion. Harper’s artistic pursuits are deeply rooted in the avant-garde, with a rich mix of Jamaican and American heritage, shaped by a childhood raised by a single mother. They are committed to pushing creative boundaries and seeking to innovate, always striving for something fresh and groundbreaking.

Featured photography courtesy of BURAK ISSEVEN