SmartARTS closing Party!

SmartARTS closing 15/4/11 @ Red Rattler.
Photos: Me and Mel Pap.

Why would ya wanna shut this party down?

There is a new set of mind-blowing photos up from the Wormwood (by Octopus Pi) just gone (APRIL 7) which are testament to the uniqueness, beauty and experimentation present at the monthly event.

The photo above is something new Alex and I are experimenting with using analogue practise and manipulating it using digital video editing and effects.

Check out the photos- if you've been you get it, if you haven't then surely you feel you may have missed out?

Dreaming about the next one...

Be Sweet to Bunnies this Easter

Why do bunnies need our help?

Though it's illegal to test cosmetics and toiletries on animals in Australia, a loophole allows products that have been tested in laboratories overseas to still be sold in Australian supermarkets.


One of the most common animal tests is theDraize test, in which rabbits are restrained and have chemicals dripped to their sensitive eyes. They are often left to languish for days, unable to paw at their inflamed eyes to remove the painful substances.


Many people don't know that some of the most popular brands such asColgate/Palmolive, Procter & Gamble, andL'Oreal fund cruel and unnecessary tests that burn, poison, and kill millions of animals every year. You can help to convince these companies to quickly adopt humane alternatives to animal tests by demanding that animal tested cosmetics be banned in Australia. Please click here to take action.


On behalf of all animals who deserve to be free from laboratories, thank you for your support. We wish you a very happy, cruelty-free Easter!


From the Animals Australia team

Bean.

Rabbits are complex animals. Bean is currently going through a phase. Not only has she reached adolescence but she is dealing with a stranger rabbit into her domain (although Leia is actually living in the kitchen and separated by a door, her presence is felt strongly). Bean is feeling confused and has major mood swings- attacking us with kisses then with her fangs! I am learning to try to aid Bean with as much love as I can and not to get angry with her. As I have said, bunnies teach me patience day by day.

Everyday our bunnies teach us patience, love and respect for the sentience of animals.

APRIL Wormwood

Inside liquid light projections beam odd shapes and twisted dyes drowning out all static white surfaces. 

Psychedelic music is given colour, each act evoking a different ambience. 

Yonic Transformation projections are bowed to like goddesses of shape, light and colour. 

Inner anguish, drips in illusory manifestations- the walls ooze emotion. 

Visual and Sound become Sensory dreamscapes.

Jamming with the space, the hand that will perhaps rescind its supportive base.

So again, Wormwood (held monthly at UTS bar The Loft) is threatened with expulsion and so again we must fight to continue to deliver amazing musical acts and performances and experiment with new ways of getting people to come together to share an experience. Wormwood has always been about stimulating the mind to allow it to open up and liberate it of its fetters. It is in no way a regular underground music gig with predictability and the shackles of tradition.

Curator Kimberley Galceran has always tried to bring together visual, sound and abstract elements that respect the audience's desire to have their senses and emotions catered to and inspired- not just their basic passive desire to see a good band or act. It is about collaboration- how can separate entities or groups merge their diverse works together in one space to accomplish a myriad of interpretative perceptions and experiences for the people in that space? It is an ongoing experiment, it needs more time to flourish and evolve.

But this is Sydney. And in Sydney, you have to fight for any opportunity to do something different and exciting.

Join the group, and  look upon the Octopus Pi blog (even just for its tripped out design) to keep up to date and receive the call for help if there needs be.

Also read this interview with Ms Galceran by Dripping Acid Airwaves which concludes where I'd like to conclude:


Remember what the white rabbit said – Feed your head!

SmartARTS Youth Festival

All Photos: Vornstar from Opening Night @ Pine St Studios.

SmartARTS Youth Festival: Catching the dreams of the youth, helping them discover their inner artist and unleashing a canvas of inspiration which motivate to reach for the stars!

CLOSING NIGHT will be on Fri 15th April from 6pm @ the very fine Red Rattler in Marrickville. The Divine Knights, MC UN-1 and Alice Spacedoll will accompany Punk Monk Propaganda taking spirited attendees on a journey of unfettered sensory experience.

All ages plus free food!! More info here.