Cyphering, Vibrating

A thematic season of international residencies and programmes, drawing on the culture and methodology of the cypher

Autumn 2023

Delfina Foundation, London

Artists-in-residence: Aseng Borang, Lêna Bùi, Michele Chu, Yhuri Cruz, Amiko Li, Jazgul Madazimova, Silvia Martes, Jared Onyango, Yewande YoYo Odunubi, Chris Penty Alvarez

Highlights from Cyphering, Vibrating, Emanating, an evening of performances, screenings and installations at Young Space, featuring Delfina resident artists from the season, 29 Nov 2023. Courtesy of Delfina Foundation.

In street dance practices, a cypher is a space for practice and performance created by the momentary gathering of dancers together in a ring. In this collective endeavour, participants take turns to enter the centre of the ring and perform – improvising, sharing, playing, experimenting, responding – and to support on the side – providing encouragement, feedback, and drawing inspiration. Energy bounces and vibrates as one shifts between the roles of performer and audience.

During her time as Curator at Delfina Foundation, Erin Li curated the fifth iteration of its periodic theme, Performance as Process. This season draws on the culture and methodology of the cypher. Bringing together eight artists whose practices engage with performance – from Brazil, China, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, Vietnam, alongside two London-based practitioners – the residency and emergent public programme seek to operate as cyphers: a space of incubation, generation, exchange, and collectivity. Whilst promoting individual growth, this approach attempts to weave together supportive and fluid social structures – conducive to deeper connections and resonance.