prismACTIVISM
Art in Dialog + the music of DMLH
prismACTIVISM is what I call the brilliant spectrum of creation that spreads when our life energy is focused through action. action. Translated in my story this span includes the products of creative work, relationships built through doing, and stories that grow with each telling. This refracted energy illuminates daily reality with a brilliant hue. This light offers purpose and a path of beauty.
prism ACTIVISM is a process of community interaction. Each work shared is a voice in dialog. Each message received creates multiple strands of reality, paths born in the act of communication. Infinite moments become new memories while we pass years sharing. What remains is in the gallery, the audio and visual media, what we save for years to come, echoes that reflect the world we’ve shared.
prismACTIVISM is my approach to the songs I write, record and perform. Rap, the vocal element of Hip Hop culture, is how I currently refract my inspiration into a receivable spectrum. Rap has become my most consistent creative outlet since I was a teenager. I have come to understand my voice as a powerful tool for self-expression, understanding and development, as well as conversation, engagement and acceptance. In the past few years I have shared my voice throughout the country with the Watch It Grow DIY arts tour, as well as in Portland streets with the Tall Tour 2010 ( rock the dock ). If there is an open microphone at your show, I will probably rap something. I enjoy the performance. Over the past 5 years I have kicked my words at a multitude of clubs, warehouses, galleries, basements and bookstores, solo or with my longtime collaborator Shermstixx in Start Fires.
prismACTIVISM was originally the concept and title for the album I present in dialog with the work in this show. I have been working on this album for the past year. It has been a process of writing, performance, reflection, editing, writing, recording, listening, editing, writing, performance and recording. I am very pleased to have met Joe Cyrus who was kind enough to let me take home some of his beats and begin work on this project. The vibrant energy of his arrangements immediately spoke to me, and I had to say something.
I am very grateful to have the opportunity to present an album that has grown with all of these experiences, and with it, a response from my community. Each work has been created to comment on, respond to or engage with these songs. I hope that this simple exercise will offer a rainbow of perception, as an entry point for many to enter the dialog.
Thank you for everything.
Daniel M Landolt-Hoene
2011