Nights @ Spectrum

This months cover design by Aleksandar Ares,
layout by K.K.W

The Western Enisphere + Ras & Shayna @ Spectrum. Article & photos by K.K.W

Ras (left) & Shayna.

The first act that evening, Ras & Shayna, was a lively and interesting combo - Jazz meets classical. The skill was there, although contrasting way too much at times resulting in off-beat sounds struggling to blend. It was an improv set, which is always in the moment, though it would have been better if both flowed together more harmoniously. Still it had its moment, and I think the two should have another set and try it again. 

Jeanann Dara

Melodic, somber, and seemingly introspective was the nature of her set. A throbbing, fluttering electronic humming accompanying the Erie, aching, careful sound emanating from her viola. At first it was hard to know where it would go and how to feel about it, however towards the end it became something...interesting. A brief bout of musical enjoyment rising out of the dullness of "manic Monday" expectations. It was good, though I wish it was more cheerful, more light then dark. I think this is an expression of part of her character, that which few really see and she keeps hidden from us. 

Jeanann Dara

A long uninterrupted sound Started off the 3rd act, one of those slightly annoying, vibratory sounds that could lead to "experimental music" that's full of itself. Though as the trombone eased in gently (like an eager lover in warm dim-lit room) there came a spark of hope and William Stanton's electronic sound(s) went very well with it. Jeanann touched bow to strings and gave it grace, her viola melding with the vibratory sound near perfectly, only to ease back leaving a strange sensation in the air(like the lingering feeling of kisses on the back of your neck). All the while David First held a cord that hummed softly and "straight as a beggar can spit" (1). The bass drum, Michael Evans, giving it the feel of a new age call to arm, the sound rippling through the room invigorating the crowd. 

The only real noticeable good part of the last set was Ras, whose playing really gave it some much needed fire. His flowery sounds rising out of his warm personality and obvious skill, and years of persistence in the face of a society that hardly knows how to value what he does.It was the icing on that cake that made it what it was.         

Sam Kulik

David First

Michael Evans

William Stanton @ the helm (laptop)

Ras on  Saxophone 

"Art is the reason, art is the way".  (1) Part of the dialouge spoken by Michael Caine's Character from the film,  "The Man Who would Be King" directed by John Huston, 1975.  

Collective Zero

This months cover,
original photo by Matej Bogdanovski.
Digital augmentation & layout by K.K.W 

A look back: Collective Zero ("Paperworks"). Article & photos by K.K.W

From the mid 1980's to the early 1990's Collective Zero were, and still is to a large degree, an important representative of the Macedonian visual art scene.

Arm-band logo for the group.

They came together during the last years of Yugoslavia and ended their collective sometime before or after the break-up of the nation and Macedonia declared independence (CEHT 8th 1991). The group did have an eventual reunion in 2009 for a retrospective exhibition at the national gallery of Macedonia, and at the 54th international biennale in Venice ("The Trailer Files").

One of the pieces from their exhibition
@ Gallery MC - Sept 2011

The last time they were together was for their exhibition "Paperwork" at Gallery MC in New YorK, Sept 2011. Its strikingly curious how the group disbanded and yet came together on 3 other occasions almost as if they were not meant to dissolve as a group. "Paperworks" was a project based on numerous photographic material constituted during the preparations for "The Trailer Files".  

"Zero 3D" - Gorancho Gjorgjievski, 2011.

Surrealism, pop art, and aspects of the psychedelic which takes the viewer into a world of beautiful oddities, and strange Balkan characters. In many ways "Paperworks" is the culmination of their time spent together as a collective, filtered through each ones social/political outlook and creativity. Their art stands on its own, separate from their cultural identity and yet imbued with so much that is Macedonia and the Balkans.

Igor Toshevski, "Birds of prey" 2011

Igor Toshevski

Zlatko Trajikovski, "0 Export import Sessions", 2011

Gorancho Gjorgjievski (stripped dress shirt)

Gorazd Popovski (operator of Gallery MC), speaking with
Filip Blasezki 

Conslute General of Macedonia (left) Zvonko Musinski

Conslute General Zvonko Musinski , his wife Mrs Musinski
speaking with  Gorancho Gjorgjievski

Maria Pavlovska (left), Natasa Poposka

Collective Zero is, Miodrag Desovski, Aco Stankoski, Bedi Ibrahim, Zlaltko Trajkovski, Igor Toshevski, Sinisha Cvetkovski, and Gorancho Gjorgjievski. Video support for the group: Steven Shashkov. If you would like to know more, go to:www.gallerymc.org. Samsung 8GB Galaxy Tab 2 Wi-Fi Tablet - GT-P3113TSYXAR (Google Affiliate Ad)Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera With 18-55mm IS II Lens - REBEL T3 (Google Affiliate Ad)

Mobius Percussion @ Spectrum + more

This months cover, original photo
by Matej Bogdanovski. Digital augmentation & layout
by K.K.W

Nights @ Spectrum: great music. Photos & text by K.K.W.

Friday Sept 28 @ Spectrum was maybe one of the best events so far they've had. Mobius, the 2nd act (I missed the 1st), really brought something great to the venue. With an interesting mix of instruments creating lively sound that affected almost everyone present. The quartet performed "Music for pieces of wood", by Steve Reich, "Paper melodies(my music box music)" by Jason Treuting, "Rotation" by Dave Molk and "Postludes" #1-5 by Eilliot Cole. 

Charity Chan & Weasel Walter's performance, the last act, was wild, passionate and full of energy. It made me think of classical meets punk rock. Both artists have such great skill and depth to what they do, and complimented each other almost perfectly.

It was a shame that most of the people, along with Mobius quartet, left before the last act. I wish they could have have stayed, it would have been good support for the last two performers. Maybe next time.   

Mobius Percussion Quartet

Amy Garapic of Mobius percussion

Mobius percussion performing "music for pieces of wood", 
by Steve Reich - from left to right:
David Degge,  Mika Godbole, & Yumi Tamashiro.

Mobius percussion quartet  in action

Mika Godbole of Mobius percussion quartet.

Mobius percussion quartet in action

David Degge of Mobius Percussion quartet

Charity Chan & Weasel Walter @ Spectrum

Charity Chan & Weasel Walter @ Spectrum

Charity Chan 

Weasel Walter

If you would like to know more, go to:www.facebook.com/events/489956001017491/ "Art is the reason, art is the way." Streetcars Milan Oxford Shoes (Google Affiliate Ad)Eastland Buck Oxford Shoes (Google Affiliate Ad)Badgley Mischka Shoes (Light Pink Satin) - Women's Wedding Shoes - 10.0 M (Google Affiliate Ad)LAUREN RALPH LAUREN Astor Shoes (Platino Metallic) - Women's Wedding Shoes - 11.0 B (Google Affiliate Ad)