Those who have worked closely with the artist discuss his seven decade long career, the trajectory of his work, and his life as an artist working with the figure. Panelists include:

Jock Reynolds; Director, Yale University Art Gallery

Cathy Kimball; Director, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art

Phil Linares; former curator at the Oakland Museum of California

Anne Kohs; Co-Trustee of The Manuel Neri Trust.

A dance performance by movement troupe Chocolate Heads, inspired by Manuel Neri’s sculptures, will follow the panel discussion.

Figures in a California Landscape
This piece is part of a year long Chocolate Heads project which explores the idea of California. We see ourselves not only as expressions of a diverse ecosystem that constitutes this magnificent land, but also as a way of thinking and projecting.

Native Californian, Manuel Neri with his interest in the human figure, provoked this deepen investigation of the moving body in the landscape, that began August 2017 on the Djerassi Artist Residency Ranch in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The Chocolate Heads Movement Band, founded in 2009 by Aleta Hayes is a multi-genre, interdisciplinary performance troupe comprised of dancers, visual artists, musicians and performers from diverse styles and forms.

Artistic Director Chocolate Heads & Co- Choreographer
Aleta Hayes

Chocolate Heads Dancers/Co-Choreographers:
Anika Ayanna Benons
Son Nguyen
Aviva Rebecca Klein Meyers
Brianna Margueirite Peet
Skye Vandeleest
Iliana Nora Ramirez
Shiriel King Abramson

Musician/Arranger: Daniel Guaqueta
Additional Soundscape Recording by Aleta Hayes & Gorka Alda