On the evening of November 28, the Suppart Collective hosted a variety show at Bar La Marché à Côté. The show included a range of performances, from live music to visual art showcasing, DJ sets, and performance art. It aimed to bring together local emerging artists and highlight their diverse talents, with all proceeds going to support Palestine.

Still from Zéa Dee Poku’s performance *Girly Dot Hair Dot Ya*. Photographed by Lee Keon-Min (@gerry.photos on Instagram).

An artist who stood out amongst all the exhibited talent was performance artist Zéa Dee Poku. A solo performance introducing the same show that will be performed later this month in collaboration with two other local artists, Girly Dot Hair Dot Ya, referenced the artists’ personal experiences of feeling both sexualized and criticized concerning their body and how they dress. The piece aimed to make the audience uncomfortable and slightly confused, critiquing the viewer’s gaze on their transgressive bodily performance tackling gender and identity.

In brief, the performance consisted of the artist gently handling long strands of hair connected to their pubis against a backdrop of layered audio material. The audio was a soundscape collage of singing, humming and Zéa’s internal dialogue expressing distress and uncomfortability, thus prompting a similar response from their audience.

In a conversation following their performance, Zéa revealed their creative process emerges from a continual stream of consciousness, trusting themself and following impulses. They pride themselves on producing “messy art – what you see is what you get,” allowing room for error and highlighting the reality of human experience. The influences of their art come from creative fashion-forward icons, such as Julia Fox, who continuously pushes boundaries related to gender and gender performance. Additionally, they are in constant awe of their peers, local artists who continue to innovate and expand their practices, stimulating Zéa to keep pushing themselves in their practice.

For Zéa, “the possibilities to making art are endless,” as they draw inspiration from movies such as Daisies (1966) and Labyrinth (1986). They put theatricality, fashion and expression are at the forefront of their work. So, what’s next for this transcendent artist? In December, they are hosting a mob fashion show in the Montréal metro area with various designers, models, and artists to disturb and disrupt local public spaces. Along with their upcoming art shows, Zéa is beginning to venture into marketing their craft, such as selling screen-printed shirts and various collage pieces. Most importantly, Girly Dot Hair Dot Ya will be performed again in its final form this month. For more information on all upcoming projects, check out @zeadeepoku on Instagram.

Suppart Collective Show -Interview with Zéa Dee Poku

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