The intersection of music and art is a rich and complex one, with each discipline informing and influencing the other in profound ways. In the world of contemporary art, few artists have explored this intersection as thoroughly and creatively as Arthur Jafa, an American visual artist and filmmaker devoted to capturing the richness of the Black experience. In a new group exhibition, Corps et âmes, at the Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection in Paris, Jafa’s work is joined by that of 39 other artists, including Ana Mendieta, Deana Lawson, Peter Doig, Marlene Dumas, and Kerry James Marshall, to create a powerful exploration of the representation of the body in art.
The Music of the Body
Jafa’s most famous work, Love is the Message, The Message is Death (2016), is a seven-minute video that collages iconic images of Black American culture, anonymous video clips scoured from the internet, and images of the red-hot sun, set to Kanye West and Chance the Rapper’s gospel-inspired song Ultralight Beam. This powerful meditation on Black identity, history, culture, and suffering is a testament to Jafa’s ability to harness the emotional power of music to convey complex ideas and emotions. In another work, Aghdra (2021), Jafa’s apocalyptic, elusive 85-minute film features chopped and screwed soul music by Roberta Flack, the Isley Brothers, Rose Royce, and more, set to a computer-generated image of a sun setting on a pixelated black sea. This film is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the intersection of music, memory, and identity.
The Bourse de Commerce’s Musical Program
At the Bourse de Commerce, Cyrus Goberville, the head of cultural programs, has been working to create a unique and innovative musical program that responds to the art on display. This program is not just a series of concerts, but a full-fledged cultural initiative that seeks to bring together artists, musicians, and audiences in a way that is both experimental and inclusive.
- Low Jack’s performance Lacrimosa
- Crystallmess’ upcoming performance
- Robert Hood’s upcoming performance
- A new generation of Parisian rap artists
These musical events are designed to be provocative and challenging, rather than simply entertaining. They are meant to push the boundaries of what we expect from music and art, and to create new and unexpected connections between the two.
Curating the Musical Program
Goberville’s approach to curating the musical program is centered around the idea of creating a space for experimentation and innovation. He seeks to bring together artists and musicians from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, and to create events that are both unique and memorable. In the case of Jafa’s work, Goberville has sought to create a musical program that is deeply responsive to the artist’s vision and aesthetic. He has worked with musicians and composers to create performances that are both faithful to Jafa’s vision and yet also innovative and unexpected.
Arthur Jafa’s Relationship with Music
Jafa’s relationship with music is deeply personal and introspective. He has spent his entire career exploring the intersection of music, art, and identity, and has created some of the most powerful and moving works of contemporary art. In his own words, Jafa has said that music is a key element of his work, and that he is deeply drawn to the emotional power and expressiveness of music. He has also said that he is fascinated by the way that music can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions, and to create new and unexpected connections between people and places.
What’s Next for the Bourse de Commerce’s Musical Program?
As the Bourse de Commerce’s musical program continues to evolve and grow, there are many exciting developments on the horizon. In the coming months, the museum will host a series of musical events that respond to Jafa’s work, including performances by Low Jack, Crystallmess, Robert Hood, and a new generation of Parisian rap artists. These events will be designed to be both innovative and inclusive, and to create new and unexpected connections between the art and music on display. They will also provide a platform for emerging artists and musicians to showcase their talents, and to connect with audiences from around the world.
“Peter Doig has the craziest reggae collection, Anne Imhof knows so much about hardcore rock music, Arthur Jafa is crazy about soul music” – Cyrus Goberville
The Bourse de Commerce’s musical program is a true innovation, and a testament to the power of art and music to bring people together and create new and unexpected connections. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see what new and innovative developments this program has in store.
Cyrus Goberville’s Favorite Event
When asked about his favorite event so far, Goberville mentioned that he had been deeply moved by performances by Theo Parrish and Arca. He also praised the work of Low Jack, who he described as having a “form of divinity or spirituality” when he performs.
Cyrus Goberville’s Current Listening List
Goberville’s current listening list includes Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell, and Tom Wilson’s discography. He is also deeply interested in the work of Roberta Flack, and has said that he is fascinated by the way that her music can be used to convey complex emotions and ideas.
Find out more about the Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection’s upcoming events in Paris here.
In conclusion, the Bourse de Commerce’s musical program is a true innovation, and a testament to the power of art and music to bring people together and create new and unexpected connections. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see what new and innovative developments this program has in store.
