INVERTED SKY – KITE PROJECT 2012
VisionIntoArt will co-present Erika Harrsch’s Inverted Sky project, composed by Julian Wachner: this interactive work places banknotes shaped as butterflies circulating in patterns that represent a vital connective system. Specimen-banknotes of currency from many countries will mimic the delicate beauty of butterflies in migratory flight, reflecting the transformative power of global mobility and the volatility of currency markets.
The inverted sky project alludes the relationship between art and playfulness, the double twist associated with gaming and the illusion of possession. By creating Kites as butterflies, fluttering banknotes attached to a string could be pulled and handled by the public. Inverted Sky will address methods of controlling money flow and exchange: the giving and receiving.
By bringing this interactive art project into the public space, Harrsch will observe and
document how people relate to their own concept of money, when money is placed in a
poetic or ludicrous context. A playful appreciation derived from the lightness of a kite, that gives space to reflect on the somber heaviness of the worldwide financial events.
The inaugural flight will be with a flute ensemble concert summer 2012 close to the world’s financial epicenter.
VisionIntoArt will also commission LABYRINTH, two conjoined installation concertos for violinist Cornelius (Neil) Dufallo, and cellist Maya Beiser, with music by Paola Prestini. Each half is visually represented by different artists; video artist Carmen Kordas and visual artist Erika Harrsch are the collaborators for this project.
This work will tightly incorporate sound, costume, lighting design, and projected visuals, with the musicians’ performance
through the use of the K-Bow, (a sensor bow that can wirelessly transmit detailed real-time
information to a computer). This level of integration was inspired by the concept of solitude within the
labyrinth of life; the physical performances will be the sole and direct cause of all that occurs onstage.
This 70 minute work will premiere in its full multimedia version at the Krannert Center in 2013-14, and will be performed in segments as a work in progress over 2011-2013 at California State at Fullerton Strings in the 21st Century Festival, the Krannert Center, River to River festival in NY, SUNY Fredonia, and the Harare International Festival in Zimbabwe, Africa.
