Kate March Installed Prismatic Bower at Colgate
Artist Kate March and professor Hank Bamberger debuted a collaborative art installation at Colgate University.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Performance Art
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Artist Kate March and assistant professor Hank Bamberger transformed The Vault in Bernstein Hall into a dreamscape installation titled Prismatic Bower: Beneath/Between. The exhibit explored complex themes of endometriosis, reproductive health, and queer masculinity.
Why it matters
The collaborative work serves to validate and witness experiences of embodiment that are frequently marginalized or ignored in traditional settings. By utilizing an immersive environment, the creators invite viewers to engage directly with these social and physical realities.
The exhibit featured 3 walls displaying projected videos and 3 suspended leotards as part of its immersive design. This follows assistant professor Hank Bamberger's previous creation of the Killer Heels Practice performance.
The players
Kate March
Kate March is a collaborating artist who co-created the installation to explore themes of embodiment and health.
Hank Bamberger
Hank Bamberger is an assistant professor of theater at Colgate University who works at the intersection of performance art and academic research.
Colgate University
Colgate University is a private liberal arts institution in Hamilton that hosts experimental art residencies and performances.
The details
The Vault was transformed into a dreamscape using furniture, projected videos on three walls, and suspended objects including leotards. Viewers were encouraged to navigate the scenes individually to observe the specific art elements throughout the room.
Timeline
March 4-5, 2026: Hank Bamberger created the Killer Heels Practice performance.
September 28, 2026: The Prismatic Bower installation opened at Colgate University.
October 2, 2026: The exhibition concluded its residency in The Vault.
Industry Dynamics
This installation follows the creative pattern established by the Killer Heels Practice performance. It marks a broader shift toward using university-hosted performance art to challenge mainstream narratives regarding reproductive and queer identities.
Attendees navigated the installation individually to interact with specific art objects in an immersive setting. The experience required physical presence in The Vault to observe the projections and suspended media firsthand.
The takeaway
The installation highlights the power of collaborative art to bring visibility to hidden physical experiences. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of identity and health by engaging with immersive, non-traditional gallery formats.
Further reading
Discover more about current installations in the Performance Art section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Colgate Maroon-News.
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