CENTER FOR COLLABORATIVE ART RESEARCH AND BUILDING IN STONE RIDGE, NY
THREE PHASE
BRIAN McCORKLE
ELEVEN MODES OF DECOMPOSITION
SEPTEMBER 2018
Conceptual Composer Brian McCorkle (from Panoply Performance Laboratory, Varispeed Collective, Robert Ashley Ensemble) is obsessed with the ethics of art-making, and is currently developing an approach to musical composition called "Decomposition" which displaces traditional ideas of composer as landowner (and performers as renters - see Jacques Attali's "Noise" from 1985 for metaphorical exploration).
During the month of September, Brian built and experimented with a few select modes of decomposition, presenting and hosting interactive public opportunities at Three Phase Center, each utilized an array of software and physical sensors. Brian was present during each session and worked directly with participants to tweak and expand the software. Each Decomposition was based around a different focal point: distance, light, contact, timbre, loudness, note, meaning, conversation, periodicity, presence, and absence.
Sept 15th 6:PM-9:PM
Brian gave an example of two Decompositions (Meaning and Presence) and presented a brief description of the methods and modes of Decomposition.
September 19th 6:PM-9:PM
Three Decompositions (Distance, Light, and Contact) were installed at Three Phase and Brian hosted a public session of engagement and feedback.
Sept 22nd 1:PM-4:PM
Over the last few days, the installation of the Decompositions was tweaked and their components become sculpturally modified in response to the many software-sided changes inspired by feedback from the Sept 19th demonstration. Here, Brian facilitated the installed Decompositions that were activated by public involvement.
Brian McCorkle is a composer, performer, and digital artist. In addition to his work and as a founding member of the composer's collective Varispeed, he is the Co-Director of the Panoply Performance Laboratory (PPL) with Esther Neff. PPL makes large scale performance art operas in addition to duo and small group performances around the world. PPL also operates a space for experimental music and performance in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.brianmccorkle.work
Image: A decompositional radio transmitting device used in the performance of "Collusion Culture" during Super Bolus 3 at the Glove in Brooklyn, NY.