On June 6 I put up my first photo exhibit at the Works In Progress Gallery @ JFK University in Berkeley, CA.
Preparation was an interesting process...I literally went through every picture I've ever taken in search for the right ones. I was very pleased with the images I picked and the way they were printed.
I've started collaborating (doing music & sound design) with performance artist Anthony Julius Williams (he's on the left, I'm on the right).
He's doing a powerful piece that takes on the legacy of slavery, the prison-industrial complex, racism, the War on (Some) Drugs, police brutality, and other things.
He wants it to be heavy and thought-provoking, but ultimately hopeful.
I'm coming up with sounds and music to support his vision...
This comes at a perfect time, as this quarter I took Pamela Blotner's "Artist as Witness" class, which was all about effectively addressing political issues through art.
On June 14 Anthony did a 42 minute run-through of the show at JFK University.
I was amazed at the power of his conception and performance.
He integrated the sounds I gave him very well, and I felt like the music evoked the moods he wanted. The pace of his diction and movements, and his use of repetition create a truly hypnotic effect.
I haven't used this piece--"Be Reasonable"--in the show yet, but I think it can fit in there.
It's still a work in progress...I gave the bass the depth it needed, but I think the drums have to be more in-yo'-face.
Anthony has found a director and lighting designer and is searching for a venue.
I'm excited to develop my contributions and am looking forward to the official debut in the fall!
