The work of Shelley Lasica embodies a profound exploration of dance, movement, and their diverse contexts. WHEN I AM NOT THERE accompanies a performance exhibition celebrating forty years of Lasica’s choreographic practice, held at Monash University Museum of Art from August 15 to 27, 2022. This marks the first Australian survey of its kind, centering on a new ensemble work developed with ten collaborators, including Lydia Connolly-Hiatt, Luke Fryer, and François Tétaz, while also showcasing elements from Lasica’s extensive archive, such as costumes, objects, soundscapes, and texts.

By consolidating her long-standing ideas and experiments, WHEN I AM NOT THERE ignites discussions about choreography within gallery spaces, exploring the interplay between performance and exhibition. Edited by curator Hannah Mathews in conversation with Lasica, this substantial monograph is the first dedicated to an Australian choreographer. It offers a thorough account of Lasica’s performance history, delving into her archival documentation and featuring contributions from writers like Erin Brannigan and Justin Clemens.

A recipient of the 2021 Australia Council Dance Fellowship, Lasica’s work is part of the Precarious Movements: Choreography and the Museum project, collaborating with notable partners such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Tate, UK. This exhibition and publication contribute critical research on the curation and practice of choreography within museum settings.