Part Two! a shadow out of the noise

For this performance of Part Two! a shadow out of the noise at AGCC, Beck+Col play on the gothic concept of the double, exploring the horror that arises from the appearance of one’s exact duplicate. A followup to part one in which a single being is split into two mirrored images by a dark outside force, Part Two! follows them on a chaotic path desperately trying to reunite in the underworld. Part Two! a shadow out of the noise is the second part of a three part opera. Original music created by Beck+Col combines opera and heavy metal, with traditional operatic voice, extended techniques and screaming. In homage to Italian Giallo Horror, lighting and music become a character and enhance the atmosphere. 

Original music, concept, installation and sculpture by Beck+Col

Choreography by Kayla Aguila and Tetiana Sklyarova

July 8th performance by Beck+Col Madison Ostrach, and Tetiana Sklyarova

Part One! a shadow out of the dark saw a single being split into two mirrored images by an dark outside force. Their world shattered, the now divided individuals desperately tried to reunite. Their futile efforts send them on a chaotic path.  Part Two! follows the pair into the chaotic underworld. An enforcer of this underworld plays ringmaster of a surreal carnival as their torment sends them into the world of the devious narrator.  

Opera and metal combine, creating an environment where emotions get to explode. By tapping into the physical sensations, both opera and metal embody a visceral experience. Opera is our unrestrained selves, where the intensity of expression matches the intensity of feeling and we can unleash the full range of emotion. Black metal exists both in opposition to a sovereign and as an inversion. It is as much demonic as it is divine; it inspires fear and awe. “a shadow out” of uses these mediums to push back against individualism, expressing the consequences of atomization.  

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, the title a shadow out of implies something that doesn’t just come from, or is removed from, but also something beyond. The shadow is beyond the dark, the noise and ultimately, the light, as we understand and experience them. This series plays on the gothic concept of the double, exploring the horror that arises from the appearance of one’s exact duplicate. Horror as the mysterious and paradoxical thought of the unthinkable– the unknown. 

–Beck+Col 

On view July 8th through extended closing of September 16th, with public viewing hours between 10am and 4pm, Thursday – Saturday.

This exhibition is supported by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles and the Pasadena Art Alliance. Additional support for the AGCC exhibitions program provided by City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Perenchio Foundation, The Ahmanson Foundation, Norris Foundation, and the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation. Funding is also provided by the California Natural Resources Agency for the Museum Grant Program under the California Cultural and Historical Endowment.

[Press Kit]

Part Two! a shadow out of the noise is made possible with support from the California Natural Resources Agency for the Museum Grant Program under the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, the Pasadena Art Alliance, and the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles. Additional support for the AGCC exhibitions program is provided by the Perenchio Foundation, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, The Ahmanson Foundation, Norris Foundation, and the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation.