Charles Atlas has been a pioneering figure in film and video for over four decades, forging new territory in a range of genres, techniques, and stylistic approaches. He has created media/dance works, multi-channel video installations, feature-length documentaries, video art works for television, and live electronic performances. Throughout his career, Atlas has fostered close collaborative relationships, working with artists and performers including Leigh Bowery, Michael Clark, Douglas Dunn, Marina Abramovic, Yvonne Rainer, and Antony & The Johnsons. His most notable collaboration was with Merce Cunningham, for whom he served as filmmaker-in-residence from the early 1970s through 1983.
Recent projects include solo shows at Salt Beyoğlu, Istanbul (2014), Bloomberg Space, London (2013), Luhring Augustine Bushwick (2012) and De Hallen Museum, Holland (2012). Live performance/installations include a collaboration with Mika Tajima/New Humans at South London Gallery (2011), In Residence at the 2012 Whitney Biennial, and Charles Atlas and Collaborators at Tate Modern (2013). Ocean, Atlas’ film of Merce Cunningham’s epic dance, premiered at the Walker Art Center in 2010. TURNING (2013), a documentary feature made in collaboration with Antony & the Johnsons, is currently touring in festivals worldwide and was released digitally and on DVD in November 2014. Atlas has received a Guggenheim Fellowship, three “Bessie” Awards and the Foundation for Contemporary Artʼs biennial John Cage Award.