This event has ended.
Mess Books is releasing book number two – Revivification – and you’re invited to celebrate!
“Can creativity exist outside of the body? What happens to artists’ creativity once they have passed away? Could the essence of a performer be retained beyond physical presence?”
Edited by artists Guy Ben-Ary, Nathan Thompson, Matt Gingold, scientist Stuart Hodgetts and Mess Books editor in chief, Emma Pegrum, Revivification asks fundamental questions about the boundaries of life, art and intelligence in a world of uncertain human agency – one where the impacts of generative AI and the destination of our own advancement are live concerns.
Bringing together 10 diverse essays, artist reflections, lab and gallery documentation, and archival imagery, the book is the culmination of a years’ long ongoing artistic collaboration of the same name currently on show at the Art Gallery of WA. That work is an attempt to immortalise the late avant-garde composer and project collaborator Alvin Lucier through employing his lab-grown ‘mini brains’ – organoids derived from his donated blood – within an immersive sonic environment that responds to stimuli and continually composes in a closed-loop system.
The book shares the perspectives of international thinkers, scientists and artists who explore the cultural, ethical and scientific terrain of the work. It prompts us to think closely about what makes us human – about our various bodily, neurological and philosophical capacities, the many modern ways in which they are under threat, and how we might think, act and create differently.
This launch, hosted by Lawson Flats founding member and Mess Books editor in chief Emma Pegrum, along with co-founder and designer Bec Stawell Wilson and the Revivification artists and contributors, coincides with the exhibition closing weekend (September 20 & 21).
The book will be introduced by special guest, artist and arts worker Grace Connors (Cool Change Contemporary), and will feature a short address from artist Guy Ben-Ary and a reading from contributing author and artist Kirsten Hudson. We’ll also be joined by collaborating neuroscientist, Dr Stuart Hodgetts. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Doors: 6.00pm
Introduction: 6.30pm
Finish: 8.00pm
RSVP essential. Tickets are $15 ($10 for Members) and goes toward your purchase of the book (RRP $65).
We invite you to join us afterwards for dinner at Luis 'from 8.00pm – book your table here.