Ever Present: Cosmos
July 13, 2019
Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Inspired by the exhibition The Wondrous Cosmos in Medieval Manuscripts, Ever Present brings together a group of artists who integrate the intergalactic into their varied work.
Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs is an artist who creates experimental, immersive public ritual with sound, sculpture, video, costume, and collective performance.
Riggs’ ensemble performs and interprets a score she wrote based on a transcription of the major constellations shining overhead at the moment of her performance, adding them as notes onto a spiral staff.
This site- and time-specific performance builds upon Riggs' greater practice of reworking ancient archetypes, canonized heroic narratives, and mythological tropes to challenge structures of power and entrenched hierarchies.
Riggs has presented work at SF MoMA, the Broad Museum, the Hammer Museum, the Portland Art Museum, REDCAT, and many others. Riggs also leads an active resistance-themed community chorus in Los Angeles.
Flutists: Rachel Beetz, Jiha Lee Soprano: Stephanie Aston Mezzo-Soprano: Mindy Ella Chu Fates: Janai Amey, Jess Basta, Arlene Deradoorian Watcher: Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs Costumes: Jillian Maddocks / 323 featuring cup-bells made with Jackie Laurita and Jiha Lee
"Sky Score" by Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs, a spiral staff superimposed with the constellations charted overhead at the time of the performance, interpreted by singers and flautists.
“Performances and Interventions Inspired by Medieval European Astronomy and Astrology,” HYPERALLERGIC, July 10, 2019.