Interview with Philippe Almeida

Philippe Almeida, aka Physs, you are a performer, choreographer, and founder of Mouvmatik in 2013, which led to the creation of the Artizans project, the dance of hip-hop legends. Today, you answer our questions.

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: How did the idea of bringing together 7 dancers for a choreographic piece come to you?

Philippe Almeida: "It came about very simply, in the sense that the 7 dancers have known each other for over twenty years. We met in various situations, whether in clubs, battles, or through projects and groups we've been involved in together. We've wanted to come together to work on a common project for some time. First, just to gather, then to work together. We hadn't found the most certain or secure way to work together, but there was a desire to come together, to begin with. Then, life events reminded us of the urgency to unite. The idea came from Massangila Lumengo (Yugson Hawks), choreographer, educator, and artist; to come together, to discuss."

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: How did you choose the 7 dancers and the 2 DJs? What criteria guided the selection?

P.A.: There wasn't a casting in the usual sense, as we already knew each other. We all have a history, experience, and expertise. Among us are artists, organizers, competitors, choreographers, and also music enthusiasts. Two of them, Didier Firmin and Hugues Bongo, have even turned their passion into their main activity alongside dance: they are DJs. So, the selection happened naturally. These passions already existed in these dancers. By bringing the 7 together, we also brought together a set of skills. It’s also a matter of generation and shared history that sped up the process of being together. After having done so many things over the past twenty years, especially after turning 40, it’s about how we continue to exist and make our work resonate more clearly and originally. This means bringing together very specific geographic histories, creating a map of Île-de-France. Each of us has a connection, even a style, and this photo is crucial because it reflects a connection to a territory. By gathering together, we're also linking all these territories. We've all been at each other's places, to dance, challenge each other, train, or organize an event. That’s why it was so important to us.

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: The residency period lasts for 5 months. Why is such a time span valuable?

P.A.: "It spans 5 months for several reasons. Firstly, it matches a schedule of grants and also the busy agenda of the artists. We spread it over 5 months to meet at specific times when schedules align. It wasn't easy to see each other continuously for, say, two weeks because we already have packed schedules. Despite the desire, we had to organize ourselves. This period allows us to spread out the work more calmly, without rushing. Even though from the end of August to October, the periods between residencies become shorter, more frequent, and intense. We actually started a year and a half ago, with unofficial work to get used to each other, learn about each other under work pressure, or during a one-week residency. This process takes time, and we managed to set it up over a year. For the next 4 months, we will be together much more frequently and intensely. We will work outside Île-de-France, in Annecy, in Rennes, and we’ll also be in Cergy and Paris to prepare the final format. This time is truly precious for refining our work and getting closer."

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: Will the performances be part of a tour in Île-de-France, or will they extend nationwide and beyond borders?

P.A.: "Yes, the performances will definitely extend beyond borders. It will start with Île-de-France and France, and we already have requests, especially abroad, thanks to our international reputation. The goal is, of course, to tour in France and associate artistic and cultural actions with this performance format. This includes group methods or well-established events in the territory that we can connect with our work in Île-de-France, France, and internationally.

We will also participate in major international festivals. The idea is to test the show in Île-de-France and have as many dates as possible. The performance lasts about 60 minutes, with a pre-show that includes musical animation by DJs. We offer a format that is out of the ordinary, notably with an ending that's different from what we're used to seeing. All of this is subject to reflection and research to reach a satisfying outcome."

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: In what format will the exhibition associated with the piece’s distribution take place?

P.A.: "We are considering several formats for this exhibition. It will take the form of a documentary, perhaps a short film on Artizan, comprising several episodes. It won’t be just about the creation, but also about our vision of the future, research, and heritage, thanks to the researchers present in the team. We will also have an exhibition of drawings and descriptive labels about the movement, initiated by Yougson, who is a graphic artist and designer. This exhibition will include photos and drawings to accompany the documentary. Additionally, we plan to create a booklet, another ongoing project, detailing what it means to be a 'movement artisan' within the hip-hop community. The exhibition will therefore include drawings, podcasts, and this booklet to provide a complete and enriched perspective of our work."

Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund: How important is the support of the Francis Kurkdjian Endowment Fund for this project?

P.A.: "Your support is crucial as it allows us to go beyond our initial ambitions. Without such financial backing, it would be difficult to realize this project on a large scale. We are already supported by public funding, such as from the Caisse des dépôts or the DRAC Île-de-France. Having the support of foundations like yours is proof of the legitimacy of our project and the desire to support something bigger than us. It's not just about wanting to be on stage; it’s also about being witnesses to an era and telling this story. This project is designed to leave a lasting trace. The support of patrons and foundations like yours is therefore indispensable. It’s a form of support, but also recognition of our work and our vision through this endowment."