Composer-performer Pamela Z, an innovator of live sonic and visual performance techniques, has been selected as this year’s artist for MoMA’s annual Studio Residency program. In her solo work, she performs with custom electronic instruments, using sensors that allow her to control sound and video through physical gestures, combining extended vocal techniques, operatic bel canto, spoken word, and sonic samples. Through digital processing and physical movement, she manipulates her voice in real time alongside projected video and sampled sound to create dense sonic layers. Describing her process, Pamela Z has said, “I see the sound, images, and physical movement in my performances as an integrated whole.”
Offering space and resources for experimentation, collaboration, and the incubation of new projects, this residency provides artists the ability to research and develop their work, while offering audiences an opportunity to encounter artworks in progress. At the Museum, Pamela Z will continue to develop her recent song cycle Simultaneous behind the Kravis Studio’s closed doors. Comprising several short pieces that explore the concept of simultaneity, the work will incorporate voice, chamber ensemble (Oboe, English horn, viola, cello, and percussion), gesture control, real-time electronic processing, language, and immersive video projections that react to sound and motion. The residency will culminate in a public premiere of Simultaneous, a public conversation with the artist, and a glimpse into an in-progress version of the work adapted for installation with new audio recorded in MoMA’s studio. The installation will be on view during Museum hours from Wednesday, August 9 through Sunday, August 13.
Simultaneous - Performances
Thu, Aug 3 at 8:00 pm
Sat, Aug 5 at 8:00 pm
Sun, Aug 6 at 3:00 pm - Followed by conversation with Martha Joseph
Please note that tickets for the Sunday, August 6 performance are free with Museum admission, but advance reservation is required.
Register here.
Simultaneous
Composed by Pamela Z
Performers:
Pamela Z, voice and electronics
Chamber Ensemble:
Kyle Bruckmann, oboe/English horn
Charlton Lee, viola
Clara Kennedy, cello
Kjell Nordeson, percussion
Video by Pamela Z
The speech fragments in Simultaneous were taken from interviews – mostly recorded in the Casa Rustica Studio at the American Academy in Rome – and a few additional recorded in the artist’s San Francisco studio and at The Museum of Modern Art during her Studio Residency. The majority of voices are 2020 Rome Prize Fellows, visiting artists, and residents.
Sampled voices:
Azza Abo Rebieh, Zeno Baldi, Samiya Bashir, Fiori Berhane, Alessandro Bosetti, Garrett Bradley, Matthew Brennan, Kyle Bruckmann, Courtney Bryan, Angelo Matteo Caglioti, Bruna Cammarano, James Casebere, Sonya Clark, Brian Davis, Dan Diffendale, Carol Flake Chapman, Fiona Digny, Theaster Gates, Christine Gorby, Ashley Hahn, Elizabeth Heintges, John Jesurun, Clara Kennedy, Charlton Lee, Alana Mailes, Nelsy Massoud, Brian McPhee, Eugenia Morpurgo, Vicky Moses, Matthew Naglak, Federica Nicolardi, Kjell Nordeson, Joel Pattison, Antoine Picon, William Schutt, Nicole Sealy, Jeremy Simmons, Gabriel Soare, Kate Thomas, Christopher van den Berg, Alexis Wang, Adam Weinberg, Fred Wilson, Parrish Wright, Michael Young, Paul David Young, and Pamela Z.
The artist gratefully acknowledges Mark Coniglio, Vincent Robinson, Elisabeth Rodini, and Marcus Gammel.
Organized by Martha Joseph, The Phyllis Ann and Walter Borten Assistant Curator of Media and Performance, with May Makki, Curatorial Assistant, Department of Media and Performance. Produced by Kate Scherer, Senior Manager and Producer, with Aminah Ibrahim, Assistant Performance Coordinator, Performance and Live Programs.
