"The truth is, movement is very simple. Humans can construct movement with electricity and objects, use their bodies, or rely on nature to move particles," says local experimental artist Kevin Harris of his upcoming event As Unstable As -- A Survey of Contemporary Electronic and Performance Art in St. Louis. "I wanted to organize a show that explored the idea of movement. There is obviously a long tradition and history of kinetic art within the art world, but I wanted to approach the curatorial decisions from the perspective of classical mechanics and physics, rather than this art-world tradition."
Harris' work in the past year at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis has been a precursor to the project. While curating the Audible Interruptions series, he organized installations and performances, pulling in a diverse pool of art for the public's eyes and ears. And in years prior, Harris single-handedly operated Floating Laboratories, a combined show space and workshop where he and fellow artists frequently performed.
Harris might be best known in St. Louis for his electronic music. He uses analog synthesizers to create textural auras, both in solo and collaborative formats, while using video projections with live feedback to create enthralling visuals.
The name As Unstable As comes from Harris' tendency to constantly manipulate the raw materials within his work. By injecting instability into a live video feed, Harris creates a performance that relies on surrounding elements like light and space in addition to his own controls.
Harris explains that the space at the Kranzberg helped him form the event. "Before any art was selected, I was offered the opportunity to organize a show that would use all three areas and create continuity between them. Because the three areas -- the gallery, studio and theater -- are so specific in their function, it was obvious from the beginning that the work needed to be very specific to these environments."
Harris will not be the only artist behind the experience this weekend. Frequent collaborator and local videographer Chad Eivins will join him. Their blend of light manipulation will merge with a quadrophonic (that's right, four speakers) sound presentation to challenge the basic tenants of media perception.
"This was a perfect opportunity to explore the very diverse subject of movement, because each space facilitates art that represents the different methods by which movement can be achieved," Harris elaborates. "Each room is acting as a unique artistic ecosystem, being connected to one another by the concept of motion."
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