Bodies and Faces

Billy Woodberry's Bless Their Little Hearts (1984) is one of the most important works of American independent cinema. Shot in black & white and clearly influenced by Italian Neo-Realism, the film follows the main character's search for work while he also struggles to reaffirm his masculinity within his household. The camera captures the choreography of everyday gestures, movements and facial expressions in a way that no other film has done. Woodberry is able to show us so much by using so little. The end result is both harrowing and deeply profound.

A Roundup of my Personal Favorites from 2012

I'll admit it, I like making lists. I realize that year end lists are often received with a certain level of disdain from the various constituents of the cultural sector and denizens of the internet. Nevertheless, I'm going forward and compiling this list of the things (music, art, films) that I feel had the most resonance in my life throughout the year...sharing is caring. If lists aren't your thing, stay tuned as there'll be much more to talk about throughout the new year right here in the land of space, time and light. Happy New Year everyone.

1. Wish You Were Here: The Buffalo Avant-Garde in the 1970s (Albright Knox Gallery)

An excellent and massive retrospective that included works from the University of Buffalo's Center for Media Studies, Hallwalls and Artpark.  

Hydra's Head (1974), Nancy Holt, Artpark, Lewiston, New York

2. Ekstasis (RVNG) – Julia Holter 

Hypnotic, lush and thoroughly engrossing music from the West Coast.  Holter's live set at Johnny Brenda's in September was quite magical.  

3. Architektonika 2 (Hamburger Bahnhof Museum)

Another gigantic group show, this time focusing on the merging of art and architecture, specifically in urban spaces. 

4. Holy Motors – Leos Carax

A fever dream, a eulogy to cinema and a densely layered examination of the act of creating art.

5. Agatha – Beatrice Gibson
Part of a new trend of young filmmakers re-imagining the science fiction genre as essay film (see Ben Rivers' Slow Action and Rosa Barba's Somnium)

6. Centipede Hz (Domino) – Animal Collective

Not quite as good Merriweather Post Pavillion but still unlike anything else happening in pop music these days.  Great live show as well.

Animal Collective, Mann Music Center Philadelphia, October 3, 2012

7. Expanding Universe (Unseen Worlds) reissue – Laurie Spiegel 

Breathtaking early electronic compositions by an under-recognized pioneer of the form.

8. Juan Downey: The Invisible Architect (Bronx Museum)

Comprehensive retrospective of this brilliant media artist.

9. Eclipse Series 33: Up All Night with Robert Downey Sr. (Criterion Collection)

Some of the most outrageous and unclassifiable film works by this Hollywood outsider.

10. Organic Music Society (Caprice) reissue – Don Cherry

Epic spiritual jazz.

Don Cherry (photo: Robert Masotti)