Photo by Maya Keren
“isabel crespo pardo is an electrifying figure [...] with practices that collide and meld a variety of approaches, whether rooted in tradition or radical, through the lens of improvisation”
Captivated by the realms of memory, spirit and ephemerality, isabel crespo pardo creates rituals of transformation via sound, text, performance, and visual art. Their practice is nourished by diverse streams of latin american folk traditions, black american art, and queer and trans thought. By keeping improvisation at the core of their work, crespo creates opportunities for openness and interconnection within the frame of experiential specificity. A learner at heart, they consistently explore new mediums, building their practice through the relationality of themes and materials. This is evidenced in the shifting sonic topographies of their poemsong trio sinonó, their use of embroidery and screen-printing for the creation of graphic scores, and the haunting monologues in the co-created experimental play “Mighty Angel…”. crespo is currently engaged in the patient unearthing their solo practice, under the moniker iiisa, weaving melodies and archival recordings of their family in Costa Rica to create memory portals. Whether presenting their own work or working in collaboration with others, their performances center breath as a site of powerful vulnerability.
crespo has presented their work at Pioneer Works, Bang on a Can’s LOUD WEEKEND, MATA Festival, and Big Ears Festival. Their commitment to artistic growth has been recognized by the Loghaven Artist Residency, Roulette Intermedium Residency, and Van Lier Fellowship, and they have had the pleasure of collaborating and performing works by Matthew Barney, Sandra Mujinga, and Raven Chacon.