Grisha Coleman

Professor Grisha Coleman is focused on innovative teaching methods in the realms of movement, digital media, and performance. She is a Visiting Artist at the ArtLab for the Spring 2022 semester, where she brings her extensive expertise and creative vision to Harvard University's Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences department. Her work is characterized by a unique blend of artistic practice and scholarly inquiry, making significant contributions to the fields of motion-capture and performance studies. Coleman's current artistic research project, "The Movement Undercommons," explores the potential of new mobile motion-capture technology to create movement portraits that highlight critical narratives. This project not only advances the technical aspects of motion-capture but also delves into the storytelling potential of movement, offering fresh perspectives on how digital media can be used to convey complex social and cultural themes. During her residency, Professor Coleman collaborates with undergraduate researchers Autumn Dorsey and Lily Cunningham, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Her mentorship and guidance provide these students with invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and performance, encouraging them to push the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. In addition to her role at Harvard, Coleman is an associate professor at Arizona State University. Her background as a dancer with the renowned Urban Bush Women and as the founder of the music performance group Hot Mouth underscores her deep commitment to the arts. Her diverse experiences inform her teaching and research, allowing her to draw from a rich tapestry of artistic and academic influences.