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!
I had a wonderful time at Friday's Intermedia Happening, the culminating event for the quarter. The preparation was insane--I was in New Orleans for most of the week before, came back very sick, and had to work Thursday & Friday.
Nonetheless I managed to design & put together a CD which I released at the event.
Somewhere along the line this quarter I went from being a "musician who does some art" to feeling OK with calling myself an artist(e).
Everybody's work was wonderful, and there was a good turnout from start to finish.
It was particularly exciting to see everyone's altered book journals!
Thanks Robbyn Elizabeth JJ Carol Carol Kate Sara Amie Josefa Chris Alison!
Here's "Rhapsody In Pink," a short video that was part of my installation:
My brother Nick Rusko-Berger--who has a BFA in Painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art--recently started his own art blog. Many useful tips & interesting works in progress.
Ever the younger brother playing catchup, I will be taking my very first painting class at JFK University this spring!
