Laurie Anderson at Mass MoCA
Discusses Delusion January 16
By: Ariel Petrova - Dec 24, 2009
Conceived as a series of short mystery plays, Delusion jump-cuts between the everyday and the mythic. Combining violin, electronic puppetry, music and visuals, Delusion tells its story in the colorful and poetic language that has become Anderson's trademark. Inspired by the breadth of Balzac, Ozu and Laurence Sterne, and employing a series of altered voices and imaginary guests, Anderson tells a complex story about longing, memory and identity. At the heart of Delusion is the pleasure of language and a terror that the world is made entirely of words.
Anderson sets out the story with these words: "You begin with a blank mind. There is absolutely nothing in it. Not a single picture. There is a void. No names. The first thing to wander into this mind is a small spotted dog named Terence and his owner, historian and social commentator Fenway Bergamot."
In the past, Anderson has used MASS MoCA to perfect some of her experimental work -- in two sold-out performances in December 2002, Anderson largely abandoned the electronica for which she had become famous, and incorporated storytelling and acoustic music. In 2004 she developed and then presented a work-in-progress showing of The End of the Moon at MASS MoCA. A provocative look at contemporary American culture, the piece featured a blend of stories, songs, and instrumental music and was inspired in part by her experiences as first ever Artist-in-Residence for NASA.
Laurie Anderson's O Superman launched her recording career, rising to number two on the British pop charts and subsequently appearing on Big Science, the first of seven albums for Warner Bros., including Mister Heartbreak, United States live, Strange Angels, Bright Red, and the soundtrack to the feature film Home of the Brave. Anderson has toured the world numerous times with shows ranging from simple spoken word performances to elaborate multimedia events.
Anderson's work as a visual artist has been exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, the Prada Gallery in Milan and throughout Europe and the United States. Anderson has created numerous videos and films, and she has contributed music to films by Wim Wenders and Jonathan Demme and dance pieces by Bill T. Jones, Trisha Brown, Melissa Fenley and others. She has created pieces for National Public Radio, BBC, and Expo 92 in Seville. Recognized worldwide as a leader in the pathbreaking use of technology in the arts, Anderson continues to devise new creative tools.
Laurie Anderson's showing is part of MASS MoCA's MASS Manufacturing series. In its role as a laboratory for contemporary art, MASS MoCA established MASS Manufacturing artist residencies to provide performing artists, theatrical innovators, dancers, visual artists, and musicians the opportunity to develop and explore new works. Each MASS Manufacturing residency culminates in a public work-in-progress showing. The artists use the showings to try out new ideas and gauge audience reaction to the work and have often welcomed questions and feedback after the performance. Artists who have participated in MASS Manufacturing residencies include Shirin Neshat, David Dorfman, Lee Breuer and Basil Twist with Mabou Mines, Cynthia Hopkins, and Zvi Gotheiner among others. MASS MoCA serves as a testing ground for works that explore new territory, and employ new media and materials. The institution shares the behind-the-scenes process of creation with visitors and artists alike, often challenging the conventional distinctions between artistic disciplines and forms.
Support for this residency and event provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tickets for In Conversation with Laurie Anderson are $10. Premium seating is available for $20. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at Mass MoCA
.