A night of stirring performance art was found at Black Castle in South Central Los Angeles on Saturday, August 18th 2012. The club was filled with fire dancing, skin pulling and a human suspension, all performed within a grisly art installation.
Upon entering the club, the viewer’s eyes were greeted by an art installation made up of wooden beams and animal parts. Adorning the wooden beams were skinned lamb heads and slabs of pork ribs. Among painted ancient symbols on the floor could be found braided intestines, bones and beef tongues.
As the crowd gathered, the performers prepared for their moment. Moody ambient music emanated from the P.A. as candles flickered and incense burned in the dark space of the club.
Finally, Der Ingenieur began beating on a drum and Jeanelle emerged with fire in her palms and danced away.
After Jeanelle’s fire dancing, Alan emerged with a fiery sword dance.
Shortly thereafter, the main event began: Jeanelle and Pixel engaged in skin pulling as Der Ingenieur’s back was laced with meat hooks and prepared to be suspended.
Successfully prepared, the assistant begins to raise Der Ingenieur off the ground.
Der Ingenieur’s performance ended, he is lowered to the ground and his back is attended to.
Der Ingenieur, Jeanelle and Pixel then take in the audience’s applause.