So, there I was, sitting cross-legged on a carpeted floor in this dark room surrounded by a crowd of people. Suddenly this large, elegant, feathery alien emerged, carefully stalking about with enormous half-spheres strapped to its feet, pondering the crowd as it emitted engine-like whirrs and purrs. The remaining details are fuzzy, but I recall cabbages being ripped to shreds, elegant ribbons flourishing about and gently gracing the top of my head, and my ears accepting sonorous sounds unlike any they’ve experienced before.

This was no dream. The manifestations of these imaginative scenes were courtesy of The Great Quentini, a performance artist who uses found objects to make costumes, musical instruments, and other accoutrements. You will be amazed. Guaranteed. Aside from his whimsical costumes, he has a drum set made of cookie tins, pots and pans; he makes musical compositions using talking toys like Teletubbies and Barbie Phone; and he sometimes reads beautiful prose that will make your inner child squirm in your aged skin.

Ultimately, the works of The Great Quentini are about getting in touch with that time when you were completely devoid of self-consciousness, when you knew nothing of society’s norms and conventions–a time when you could dive back into the depths of your mind and just romp about, innocent and unfettered. Do yourself a favor and catch him at his frequent performances for Gate at the Rotunda. Your quality of life will greatly improve.

Foundation Arts
4014 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104