Laurie Anderson | Class Discussion

On Laurie Anderson YouTube video it showed a live performance with interpreted dance, music from a live band. This live performance was like going to a concert to see a band or singers perform. In the background there was a screen that projected images as the live performance was happening. The images complemented the music and the performers. There was a scene that was very reminiscent of Kabuki. With the use of projected images it almost had a story line to it. Most of Laurie Anderson's work has no real story line and is ambiguous. I guess in my mind I always look for the plot of the show. Kabuki in the other hand is very traditional and has a story line.

In part of the video the musicians use traditional instruments like a guitar and use objects like a fork, drum sticks, thongs for food to strum the instrument to make a unique sound. I found it very interesting to hear the end result. The stage performance was like shifting from one chapter of a play to the next. It was very interesting to see Laurie Anderson mix of music, live performance from dancers, video installations/projections, etc. It was great to see that this mixer could be an art form.

In the reading she discussed many things. One of the main points that stuck with me was how she compared the President to our father or mother. She explain that our mother or father gave us guidance for life and its challenges. Well, it is the same with the President of the United States. We seek guidance from him. It is a very interested comparison but it is not without it flaws. One thing I can point out when we get old enough we tend think for ourselves, no longer needing as much guidance as we did when we were children, same with the President. I don't think we should take in all the word he has to say. Personally, I take bits and pieces that will work for me and use them to my advantage. Then incorporate my own thoughts in to what I take from my mother. It is an interesting perspective.
Laurie discussed things that inspire her to create art. One being "really dopey or really daring in other ways, that are just like". In my interpretation she likes to be goofy at times and make fun of the subject matter. No necessarily to embarrass the individual or group but just to be funny. Laurie states "break every other rule." She seems to be rebellious to a point but not to cause mass havoc. Just a bit of mischief which I find quirky and delightful. Another thing she states is "Rule breaking in much more interesting to me than trying to give people messages encoded in music or painting."

https://thecreativeindependent.com/people/laurie-anderson-on-reality-and-non-reality/