Present Tense: Ultra-red

EXHIBITION OVERVIEW

Over twenty-five years into the AIDS crisis ... the record is now open.

In this exhibition, Los Angeles-based sound artists Ultra-red present SILENT|LISTEN. Composed of statements by AIDS activists, organizers, researchers, artists and people living with HIV/AIDS, SILENT|LISTEN builds a public record of the AIDS epidemic in North America. With references to John Cage, Robert Rauschenberg and Gran Fury, the exhibition and performance series invokes the vital role played by the arts in HIV/AIDS education, cultural critique, political organizing and direct action.

Performances in the series combine spoken word, real-time digital sound processing and electronic music composition. Leading off with a performance of John Cage's infamous 4' 33" , the performances invite audience members to enter into the record their reflections on the twenty-five years of the AIDS crisis.

The first performance, to be held on Wednesday, August 9 at 7 pm, will focus directly on the impact of the AIDS crisis on the city of Toronto.

During the Sixteenth International AIDS Conference in Toronto, Ultra-red host a large-scale event bringing together international AIDS researchers, individuals working with AIDS service organizations, participants from previous SILENT|LISTEN performances across North America and internationally known electronic musicians. This event will be held on Monday, August 14 at 8 pm.

Events will take place at the Art Gallery of Ontario and are free of charge. Entry is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The exhibition is included with admission to the AGO

Toronto Performance: August 9, 7 pm
with Ultra-red [Eddie Peel, Dont Rhine and Robert Sember]

International Performance: August 14, 8 pm
with Ultra-red and special guests Isabelle Noël, Sandro Perri, Andrew Zealley and others.

Artist's Talk: August 16, 7 pm