A Dance Incorporating Movements Derived from Experiments by Harry F. Harlow and choreographed in the manner of Martha Graham

Mike Kelley's video work A Dance Incorporating Movements Derived from Experiments by Harry F. Harlow and Choreographed in the Manner of Martha Graham combines scientific research and modern dance in order to question the human psyche and social behavior patterns. The work refers to Harry Harlow’s experiments on mother-child bonding with rhesus monkeys and integrates movements that reflect these traumatic scenarios. The choreography was created in reference to Martha Graham’s own dance films of the late 1950s and early 1960s. As a pioneer of modern dance, the American choreographer explored emotional conflict and psychological tension. Kelley combines the rationality of scientific research with the expressiveness of dance and reveals the intertwining of sensation and manipulation. This video work is related to Kelley’s Test Room Containing Multiple Stimuli Known to Elicit Curiosity and Manipulatory Responses.