Behind the Mask

Meet Manuel Vignoulle and Karina Lesko in Part Deux of our Euro Trip. We couldn’t help but get up close and personal with this international star duo. Peek through a worldwide lens of what it’s like to be trendsetting artists.

“I’m actually working with masks right now. Sometimes we build so many walls that we don’t know who we are anymore. This, in relation to the image that you have of yourself, and your image through the eyes of others (others as a mirror, a reflection of yourself), is a duality that I love. It often shows up in my work,” says Manuel.

Karina Lesko, from Costa Rica, also reflects an image of movement from around the world. She snagged the gendance Trendsetter Award from Manuel at the 2009 EURO-graphers’ Jam:

“Manuel said I gave him a lot as a dancer. I think I stood out to him because I tried to put myself in his place, playing with different emotions he may’ve gone through while creating the movement. Even though he was clear on what he wanted technically, he still left room for us to interpret the movement individually.”  

Moral of the Story: Unmask your true self.

Karina Lesko Photo Credits:
Headshot - j. ryan roberts
Dance shot - Arthur Coopckik

Manuel Vignoulle Photo Credits:
Photo 1 - Loin by Gregory Batardon
Photo 3 - Miserere - video still
Photo 4 - “2” by Shawn Koppenhoefer
Photo 5 - Conversation by J.L. Vignoulle