MUSIC BY VISUAL ARTISTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY (CCP)
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10
8:30–11PM
PHILIP BROPHY
GOSSIPPOP
DARREN SYLVESTER
The Toff
Curtin House
Level 2 252 Swanston St
Melbourne AUS
Curated by Marco Fusinato YOU DON'T HAVE TO CALL IT MUSIC is an ongoing series of musical performances by visual artists. YOU DON’T HAVE TO CALL IT MUSIC/ONE OF US CANNOT BE WRONG is presented in conjunction with Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) and will feature performances by three artists from the current CCP exhibition One of Us Cannot Be Wrong.
Philip Brophy’s Stadium is a live music performance for solo drums and showgirl dancers. The concept of the piece is to present a quasi-orgiastic celebration of rhythm staged theatrically within the mock pyrotechnica of 'the rock gig'. An almost cartoon-like staging unfolds, with Philip Brophy bare-chested and adorned with long flowing black metal-dude hair, flailing away at the drums, flanked by two exuberant explosive dancers. No words. No guitars. No other visible instruments. Just a set of skins sandwiched by skin.
Gossippop is an ongoing art project that melds gossip with pop via live performance and video. In collaboration with her brother Phil, Sue Dodd’s DIY pseudo ‘band’ performance combines addictive tabloid narratives and imagery with manufactured electro in a lo-fi, funny and often disturbing simulacra of the celebrity pop spectacle and mass-media culture.
Darren Sylvester uses a number of guitar pedals and samples to sing songs about chemotherapy, 9-11 telephone conversations and Phil Spector’s favourite chords. He will be performing songs from his debut album—described during the mastering stage as sounding like a cross between 1980’s The Church and Spandau Ballet. Sylvester’s album is made in conjunction with Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art exhibition Contemporary Australia: Optimism.
