Very like the universe, Marina Abramović’s creative apply is ever-expanding. Rooted in durational efficiency, it has over time grown to include pictures, video, theatre, opera, pedagogy, digital actuality and, most just lately, NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Abramović’s newest lateral transfer is into the realm of pop music: she will now be heard giving voice to the universe on Emerald Sea, a brand new idea album by New York-based dream pop duo Sound of Ceres, which was launched on 17 June.
In lush, symphonic sounds the album tells the three-act love story of the universe (voiced in interludes by Abramović) and Venus, the Roman goddess of affection, whose perspective is articulated by the singer Ok Hover, one half (with Ryan Hover) of Sound of Ceres. Wealthy in synths, harps and angelic choirs, the document successfully conjures the glimmering environs of the gods, whereas Abramović’s distinctive voice grounds the narrative.
In her spoken passages, Abramović recounts the universe’s pursuit of Venus throughout the skies and the document’s titular physique of water. “I wake within the discussion board, to seek out my gaze fastened on the solar,” she says at one level, addressing Venus on the track Arm of Golden Flame. “Then shall I discover you within the chamber, calm, beautiful and, as you smile, an arm of golden flame covers your head.” A music video for one of many album’s most dramatic songs, The Fawn, even options Abramović’s disembodied head forming within the clouds to articulate her traces.
In a wide-ranging interview with Dazed, Ok and Abramović recalled the prospect encounter throughout a residency at Brooklyn bar and music venue Alphaville, which ultimately led to their collaboration of Emerald Sea.
“Somebody as highly effective as Marina is the final particular person we anticipated to point out up at this location we have been enjoying,” Ok stated. “However I bear in mind she stood proper in entrance of me as I used to be performing, actually ft away, and stared at me the entire time. I feel most individuals may discover that intimidating, however I truly discovered it tremendous inspirational; a heat, calming presence. After that, I bear in mind her telling me to by no means blink, which is sensible for her to say because the grasp of being current along with her viewers.”
In different phrases, she was given an impromptu crash course within the Abramović Technique.
