October 17, 2020
BLACK AZIMUTH is an ongoing site-specific film, sound, and text collaboration between text-and-image artist Quintan Ana Wikswo (film, photography, text) sound artist Jen Kutler (field audio and data modulated composition) and video editor Eric Grush (animation), surrounding the sensorial and extra-sensorial topographies of the cave systems of Central New York. Its six sections form encounters with echos and ecolocation of bats, light and its absence, water and its ghosts, and the ways in which the aquatic formation of rock interplay with the visual architectures of human anatomy – muscles, organs, fascia, and bone.
Wikswo created an assemblage of over 1,000 analogue and digital still images of the network of cave systems, while Kutler recorded a diverse range of site-based field audio. Longtime collaborator Eric Grush, who has created animated projects from still images for acclaimed projects including GOLDEN SPARROW, is working with the team to develop a visual vocabulary based on the rhythms and absences unique to the cave topography.
ABOUT ERIC GRUSH
Award-winning film/video editor and voice over artist, with expertise in traditional and experimental storytelling. Extensive work in commercial, documentary, and feature editing. Specializing in developing strong relationships with clients to nurture creative exploration and strengthen personal vision. Able to quickly produce works from story and script development through to final on-line and deliverables for distribution and brand/campaign cohesiveness.
Agency work includes broadcast spots, web series, concept development, case studies, and winning pitch videos for Sherwin-Williams, Green Giant, Samsung, and Galderma. Clients include Droga5, Deutsch Inc., Johannes Leonardo, Big Spaceship, Mission Cultre, JWT, Atlantic TV, AMC, IFC, BET, Buzzfeed, Sprokkit, and Sony; as well as independent short, feature, fine art and music projects.
ABOUT JEN KUTLER
Jen Kutler is a digital media, sound, and performance artist who resides in Central New York. Her work consists a arrangement of instruments, installations, and performances modified by the found objects that represent cultural and societal signified themes such as power, gender identity/politics,LGBTQ+, feminism, and sexuality.[1]. Kutler’s performances feature a array of instruments incorporated with a mix of digital, recorded sound to express the familiarity of these themes through sound and media environments.