Aki Onda
Aki Onda is an electronic musician, composer, and visual artist. He is particularly known for his Cassette Memories project – works compiled from a “sound diary” of field-recordings collected by Onda over a span of two decades. Onda’s musical instrument of choice is the cassette Walkman. Not only does he capture field recordings with the Walkman, he also physically manipulates multiple Walkmans with electronics in his performances. In another of his projects, Cinemage, Onda shows slide projections of still photo images, shot by himself, as a performance or installation. However, for this event it is likely to be more instrument based, highlighting his eclectic musical knowledge and skill.
Onda has collaborated with artists such as Michael Snow, Ken Jacobs, Paul Clipson, Alan Licht, Loren Connors, MV Carbon, Oren Ambarchi, Noël Akchoté, Jean-François Pauvros, Jac Berrocal, Lionel Marchetti, Linda Sharrock, and Blixa Bargeld.
Cocky Eek
Cocky Eek started experimenting with lightness and flight by building replicas of da Vinci's wings and physically trying them out. Her research showed that the mechanics of flight are alien to our human-body and challenge our neuro-architecture; many participants who tried to fly with her wings were so overwhelmed by the proprioceptive sensation of flight that they vomited. Once overcome, the techniques of steering could be mastered to an impressive level.
She studies and captures the dynamics of air, pneumatics and airflow by developing membranes and surfaces. Her approach blends quite naturally with dancer and choreographer Kenzo Kusuda who explores the dynamics and movement of the body in similar ways and in similar depth.
Kenzo Kusuda
Holland-based Japanese choreographer / dancer Kenzo Kusuda reveals poetry through the dancing body. Kusuda takes the audience to a world filled with imagination. His work is possessed by a mystic beauty that lies beyond the perception of our physical senses. With the body's movement on an almost empty stage, he is able to reveal the invisible through his very personal and intense movement language.
Lightness
In an age where everyone is affected by the weight of society, the overbearing fears of the economy and the heavy hand of government, 'lightness' is the way forward. Let go of the material and celebrate the ethereal with 11 weeks of 'lightness'. Each week Mediamatic invites a new artist to question the meaning of 'lightness'.
More information
Echokamer 18 will take place at Mediamatic, VOC-Kade 10, Amsterdam on Saturday June 07. Entrance fee is €5 or free for Mediamatic members.