LOOK INTO MY OWL

The New Museum is hosting the first U.S. retrospective exhibit of the work of Brion Gysin. “Dreamachine” is a crucial step toward recognizing Gysin as one of the most influential minds of the 20th century. The exhibition brings together more than three hundred drawings, books, paintings, collages, films, slide projections, and sound works.

William S. Burroughs and Brion Gysin, The Third Mind, ink and typescript on paper, 1965.

An original Dreamachine is also on display. In 1961, Gysin along with Ian Somerville conceived the device that is intended to be viewed with closed eyes. The Dreamachine produces light that pulses at a frequency that stimulates alpha waves in the brain. Initial experiences conjure common symbols to roll through the mind’s eye. Consistent use over time has been known to invoke virtual three-dimensional spaces and trigger senses beyond vision. I built my first Dreamachine in 1994 and have used it occasionally over the years. Here is a link to an online simulation, please heed the warnings as the effect can elicit photosensitive epilepsy.

Bryon Gysin with Dreamachine at Musée des Art Décoratifs, Paris, 1962.

It is impossible to sum up the importance of this man, his art and collaborations in a few short paragraphs. This is why it is so important to get to the New Museum before October 3rd. We are going to be spending the Fall and Winter in New York and actually altered our plans so that we would be sure not to miss this long-deserved remembrance.

William S. Burroughs and Brion Gysin, The Third Mind, crayon, gelatin-silver prints, letterpress, offset lithography, and typescript on graph paper, 1965.

Brion Gysin
Dreamachine
7 July – 3 October 2010
New Museum
NYC

This past weekend I had the opportunity to screen Banksy’s film “Exit Through the Gift Shop” at the Mayan Theatre in Denver. I’d recommend seeing the film with little foreknowledge but if you must, continue on for minimal spoiling.

Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop, still from video, 2010.

French born filmmaker Thierry Guetta (AKA Mr. Brainwash) set off on a quest to document the recently enlivened “Street Art” scene. He tirelessly followed some of the most celebrated artists of the genre as they applied their wares to public places. His footage piled up but Guetta had little success in his efforts to make sense of the work in the editing room. Banksy took over the project and the final cut became “Exit Through the Gift Shop.”

Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop, still from video, 2010.

The premiere of the film received excellent response at the Sundance Film Festival. While the London debut took place in a disused tunnel under Waterloo Station complete with lush seating. A typically brilliant move for the master marketer.

Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop, still from video, 2010.

Mr. Brainwash and Banksy inspire passion in both directions. Discussion forums and blog comment areas quickly fill up with hatred and defense. During the New York premiere, the online tabloid Art Fag City went into a sputtering rage over unfounded reports of ethical impropriety concerning the marketing efforts for the film. The infantile attacks were corrected and eventually a ludicrous retraction was posted.

Heavy handed reaction from those slow to adopt change can be expected. This sort of response has been seen over and over throughout the history of art. The savvy collector should raise an eyebrow because this is the same sort of nonsense that Andy Warhol was forced to endure during his lifetime.

If you miss this film, you have truly been left behind. Watch the trailer (complete with a song that I can’t get out of my head) below.

Banksy
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Now playing in the U.S. and Canada.

During Art Basel Miami Beach we caught a screening of the rough cut for this remarkable film (covered here). Since then, director Tamra Davis and crew have shown the finished piece at the Sundance Film Festival.

Tamra Davis, Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child, still from video, 2010.

Big fans of Basquiat will leave theaters with the feeling of seeing an old friend after a long time apart. Artists will have difficulty calming the immediate desire to paint.

Tamra Davis, Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child, still from video, 2010.

It seems that since our viewing the legendary Adam Horovitz and Mike Diamond have been brought in to handle the music. Nice. No news on a release date yet but I will keep you updated as more information is made available. In the meantime, check out the trailer below. Thanks to doghed for the link.