Hirshhorn Announces Full Lineup for “Doug Aitken: SONG 1” Performances
The closing week of “Doug Aitken: SONG 1,” the groundbreaking 360-degree projection on the façade of the Hirshhorn that runs through May 20, will be introduced with a special two-part “Happening” May 11. Consisting of ticketed evening performances preceded by a free afternoon symposium, the Happening will reshape the experience of the innovative public artwork that has become a sensation on the National Mall.
“The presentation of ‘SONG 1’ has been a signature project in the Hirshhorn’s program to curate public space,” said Hirshhorn director Richard Koshalek. “Rather than restrict the artist to what can be done and said within the walls of the museum, ‘SONG 1’ has projected Doug Aitken’s voice into the urban environment. This artwork represents a new way of successfully engaging with a broader public.”
From 8 p.m. to midnight May 11, Aitken will choreograph the performance of a live soundtrack to “SONG 1,” which is structured around “I Only Have Eyes for You,” a 1934 pop song that has become all but ubiquitous through the many covers of it recorded during the past 75 years. For one night only, the recorded soundtrack will be turned off and a live one will take its place. High Places, Nico Jaar, Tim McAfee Lewis and Leo Gallo, No Age and Oneohtrix Point Never will perform their own renditions of “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and Geologist will perform a DJ set consisting of diverse versions of the song.
Tickets are available—in advance only—for $25 through hirshhorn.tumblr.com. Hirshhorn members receive free admission. The “SONG 1” Happening is presented by the Hirshhorn, Pitchfork and Wired.
About Geologist
Geologist (Brian Weitz) is a founding member of Animal Collective. His sampling and electronic sound sculpting have helped make the band one of the defining acts of the past decade, both live and in the studio. As a solo artist, he has performed numerous DJ sets and provided the soundtrack to a short film about the tentacles of the Portuguese man-of-war.
About High Places
High Places is the duo of Rob Barber and Mary Pearson. Known for multimedia performances that combine music with video projections, they blur the line between sound and image. Blending looped beats with Pearson’s emotional yet ethereal vocals, High Places creates spaces for multisensory perception.
About Nico Jaar
Born in New York City and raised in Santiago de Chile, Jaar moves easily between languages and cultures, styles and sources. Although only 22 years old, he has been making electronic music for eight years. Released on his own Clown and Sunset label, his album “Space Is Only Noise” (2011) made Pitchfork’s Best New Music list.
About Tim McAfee Lewis and Leo Gallo
Although McAfee Lewis and Gallo perform an a cappella rendition of “I Only Have Eyes for You,” their music of extends beyond doo-wop. McAfee Lewis is assistant director of the renowned Agape International Choir. In his solo work, he transforms various spiritual traditions into what he has dubbed “New Thought Gospel.” Trained in modern dance, Gallo is active as a choreographer, dancer and musician. “Extravaganza,” the first single off his upcoming solo debut album, will be released this year.
About No Age
No Age is drummer and vocalist Dean Spunt and guitarist Randy Randall, who update various strains of post-hardcore, noise pop and shoegaze, the duo’s sound being inspired by bands such as Husker Du, Yo La Tengo and My Bloody Valentine. Multiple layers of fuzzed-out guitars threaten to bury not only double-tracked vocals and pounding drums but each other, creating sonic environments both dense and nebulous.
About Oneohtrix Point Never
Oneohtrix Point Never is Daniel Lopatin, whose experience crafting electronic compositions dates back to childhood experiments with his father’s Juno-60, a polyphonic analog synthesizer he has never abandoned. On June 22, OPN is also headlining “On the Future of the Digital,” a free evening event at the Hirshhorn featuring talks, performances and music that marks the culmination of Lunch Bytes, a digital art and culture program presented by the Hirshhorn, the Goethe-Institut Washington and Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council.
About the Hirshhorn
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Smithsonian Institution’s museum of international modern and contemporary art, has nearly 12,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs,
mixed-media installations, works on paper and new media works in its collection. The Hirshhorn presents varied exhibitions and offers an array of public programs that explore modern and contemporary art. Located at Independence Avenue and Seventh Street S.W., the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (except Dec. 25). Admission to the galleries and special programs is free. For more information about exhibitions and events, please visit hirshhorn.si.edu. Follow the Hirshhorn on Facebook at facebook.com/hirshhorn and on Twitter at twitter.com/hirshhorn. To request accessibility services, please contact Kristy Maruca at marucak@si.edu or (202) 633-2796, preferably two weeks in advance.
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