LOSS OF AMNESIA IN THE EAST VILLAGE

Audio Visual Arts (AVA), a small and rare New York gallery that specialises in sound art, recently unveiled new work by Reuben Lorch-Miller. Called “Anamnesis of the Interstellar Father”, it considers the use of recollection as a means of connection. Anamnesis, according to Lorch-Miller, is the literal “loss of amnesia”. Though not an example of sound art, the current show plays on themes of sensual subjectivity and shifting perspectives. On view are three paintings that vary in colour. Framed behind richly coloured Plexiglas, the “disinhibiting images”, as Lorch-Miller describes them, leave room for interpretation--like Rorschach’s inkblots.

A chain-like structure resembling a DNA helix stands in the gallery corner, offsetting the more obscure work lining the walls. Opaque and white, the sculpture “plays axis to the paintings, landing somewhere between Brancusi and a radio transmission antenna,” according to AVA’s press release. As light streams through the paintings’ colour filters and bounces off the gallery's white walls, viewers can manipulate their experience of the works by shifting their stance or angle of perception. The effect is unexpectedly evocative.

The gallery’s windows and door, which face a quiet and otherwise nondescript block in the East Village, are covered in a transparent, aquamarine film. This transforms the gallery’s interior into a fish tank of sorts; visitors feel transported as they step inside.

The space was home to Sensei Gallery until early 2008, when the current owner, Justin Luke, took over and began renovations. Ten months later Audio Visual Arts opened, with its 189-square-foot front room for exhibitions and openings. Other gallery events are sometimes held at the vacant lot across the street.

Sound art is a relatively small genre within the contemporary art world. Concentrating primarily on audio perception, it engages audiences without relying exclusively on visual images or structures. “There are other spaces in the city that champion sound,” admits Luke. “The longest standing gallery fully dedicated to sound is Diapason, run by Michael J. Schumacher in Brooklyn.” AVA will present a lecture series by Schumacher near the end of July. The Dream House in Tribeca is another longstanding sound space. Opened in 1993, its audio installations are penetrative, much like the musty incense that hangs in the air, making for an overly stimulating experience.

While "Anamnesis of the Interstellar Father" does not make use of AVA's state-of-the-art sound capabilities (ie, a flexible surround system, satellite speakers and a subwoofer), much of the work AVA features does. An ongoing series called Exterior Sounds transmits sound works to the public at random intervals, via hidden speakers in the front of the gallery. “It’s purpose is to serve those in transit, setting the stage for unique public audio encounters,” says Luke, who each month selects a different artist or performer to record the experimental sounds.

In the past, AVA has featured work by Kalup Linzy, a video and performance artist, and Christian Joy, a costume- and fashion-designer. The gallery’s minimalist approach to mind-altering art is at its best with Lorch-Miller's current installation, however. Those finding themselves in an early summer slump should consider a visit. (If inspiration fails to follow, the neighbourhood’s renowned Indian hole in the wall, Punjabi, is only two blocks away.)

Reuben Lorch-Miller, “Anamnesis of the Interstellar Father”, through July 26th at Audio Visual Arts gallery.

~ CASEY DETROW

Picture credit: Reuben Lorch-Miller, "Full synthesis of eternal oneness" (2009); Exterior view.