Will Holder presents the work of contemporary American composer Robert Ashley (b.1930), best known for his operas and other theatrical works (many of which incorporate electronics and extended techniques). During a 25-year working relationship with a ‘band' of speakers, Ashley developed a unique form of opera which investigates the musicality of American speech. On show at Objectif Exhibitions are Ashley's earlier works investigating the distribution and transfer of collectively produced language to and from page and TV screen, from 1963 to 1979.
Since 2004, Will Holder has been working with musician Alex Waterman on ‘Yes, But Is It Edible?',a scored biography of the composer, to be collectively read aloud. The works on display, although not included in the publication, have informed the process of developing a form of typographical notation in order to reproduce (semi-autobiographical) operas.
During the period of the exhibition, Holder will be residing in Brussels to complete this publication. During this time you are welcome to visit him and watch episodes of Ashley's ‘Perfect Lives' (1983), call +32.487286739.
Opening Saturday May 29, 6-8pm with performances by STIJN and Will Holder
May 29 to July 3 in Objectif Exhibitions, Kleine Markt 7-9, 2000 Antwerp. Open Wed-Sat, 2-6pm.
www.objectif-exhibitions.org