Lily McMenamy Is Ready for Her Close-Up
On a chilly February night in Paris, a unique and intriguing performance took place at the Bourse de Commerce. The stage was set, the audience gathered, and Lily McMenamy, a model turned artist, stood in a flesh-colored latex bodysuit, ready to captivate the crowd with her mesmerizing performance titled A Hole Is a Hole.
A Performance Like No Other
McMenamy’s 45-minute performance delved into a topsy-turvy world of self-discovery, creativity, and transformation. Through a series of characters and narratives, she took the audience on a journey that was both riveting and unexpectedly moving. Her ability to shape-shift between different archetypes with extraordinary stamina and commitment left a lasting impression on all who witnessed her artistry.
- From a young woman lost on an island to a genie with a New York shrink’s voice
- From monsters in the forest to music-box dancers
- From tongue-in-cheek meditations on creativity to Ryan Trecartin–esque chaos
Modeling to Performing
McMenamy’s evolution from a successful model to a captivating performer was not a conventional one. While her modeling career brought her confidence and the ability to embody different characters, she realized that modeling was not the right vessel for the kind of expression she yearned for. It was through her journey into the world of performance art that she found her true calling.
Training and Transformation
Studying at Paris’s École internationale de théâtre Jacques Lecoq and later pursuing a master’s degree in performance at Goldsmiths in London, McMenamy honed her skills and delved deep into the intersection of modeling and creativity. Her ability to blur boundaries between disciplines and challenge conventional norms is what sets her apart as a unique artist.
Uncategorizable Artistry
McMenamy’s performance piece, A Hole Is a Hole, defies categorization. Is it theater? Performance art? Or something entirely different? The blend of humor, vulnerability, and sharp writing in her show creates an experience that resonates with audiences on a profound level.
A Quirky Sense of Humor
One of the most surprising elements of McMenamy’s performance is its humor. From whiplash-inducing character pivots to sharp writing that elicits laughter, she skillfully navigates the fine line between comedy and introspection. Her ability to connect with the audience through laughter is a testament to her talent and creative vision.
The Essence of A Hole Is a Hole
The title of McMenamy’s performance, A Hole Is a Hole, encapsulates the essence of her artistry—exploring themes of beauty, ugliness, gender, and reclaiming expressions that challenge societal norms. Through her work, she invites audiences to embrace imperfection and strive for wholeness rather than perfection.
As Lily McMenamy continues to push boundaries and redefine the boundaries of art and performance, she stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and self-expression.