SUPER CRITICAL MASS is an ongoing sound art project investigating networks of performers playing identical instruments in public places. The focus is on density and physical architecture rather than more traditional elements such as melody and accompaniment. Special algorithms, performed by locally-sourced instrumentalists, are composed by project co-directors Julian Day, Luke Jaaniste and Janet McKay, with contributions from guest composers and sound artists.
Super Critical Mass investigates both small and large networks, from a dozen to over 100 performers at any one time, with events having already taken place at CarriageWorks (Sydney), Under The Radar (Brisbane Festival) and, soon, at Arts House Meat Market (Melbourne). For Fresh Ground, the co-directors are undertaking an R&D phase with a small group of performers playing trumpets and flutes. A final showcase, titled SUB MASS 4, will occur as the culmination of the residency. This will specifically feed into the project development mission taken by co-directors in late 2010 to the UK and Europe, for performances and residencies in 2011 and beyond.
The co-directors of this project have backgrounds in contemporary music that intersect with other arts and cultural activities. Sydney-based Julian Day is a composer, sound/visual artist and broadcaster with ABC Classic FM. Brisbane’s Janet McKay is a flautist, teacher and contemporary music events producer through her organization random overtones. Luke Jaaniste, also based in Brisbane, is a visual and sonic artist and cultural researcher with the centre of excellence in creative industries and innovation at QUT. The three have worked on components of Super Critical Mass since 2008, and have collaborated together on a number of additional projects over the past decade.
Super Critical Mass present Sub Mass 4 in Burnett Lane, Brisbane.
