The Wanda Coleman Songbook: A New York Art Debut is an immersive video installation created by artist and filmmaker Cauleen Smith, which combines sight, sound, and scent to explore the vibrant city of Los Angeles. In this project, Smith pays homage to the revered poet Wanda Coleman, using her words as a tonal and emotional compass during the filming process. The film captures the essence of the city, showcasing various locations from the ocean to East L.A., from humble Watts blocks to the San Gabriel foothills. Premiering at 52 Walker gallery in TriBeCa, the project invites viewers to immerse themselves in the multi-sensory experience, where they can not only watch the video but also listen to an album of specially commissioned songs that interpret Coleman’s poems. By intertwining film, music, and scent, Smith aims to create a poetic homage to Los Angeles while honoring the deep influence of Wanda Coleman.
The Wanda Coleman Songbook: A New York Art Debut
Introduction
Renowned artist and filmmaker Cauleen Smith is debuting her latest project in New York City, an immersive video installation that combines sight, sound, and scent to explore the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Entitled “The Wanda Coleman Songbook,” this project serves as an ode to the poet Wanda Coleman, who is celebrated as a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ creative landscape. Smith’s installation offers viewers a multi-sensory experience, transporting them into the heart and soul of Los Angeles.
Cauleen Smith’s Immersive Video Installation
At the heart of Smith’s project is an immersive video installation that immerses viewers in the sights and sounds of Los Angeles. The video consists of four channels projected floor-to-ceiling, creating a captivating and encompassing visual experience. The footage was captured in guerrilla-style shooting, with Smith and her crew exploring various locations throughout the city, from the ocean to East L.A., and from humble Watts blocks to the San Gabriel foothills. This raw and unfiltered approach provides an authentic portrayal of the diverse landscapes and neighborhoods that make up Los Angeles.
Honoring Wanda Coleman
Wanda Coleman, a highly regarded poet, serves as the guiding force behind Smith’s installation. Coleman, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 67, was known for her evocative and powerful verses that captured the essence of life in Los Angeles. Smith’s project pays homage to Coleman, highlighting her contributions to the city’s artistic landscape and shining a light on her enduring impact.
Album of Specially Commissioned Songs
In addition to the immersive video installation, Smith’s project features an album of specially commissioned songs. Seven musicians, including Meshell Ndegeocello and Kelsey Lu, were invited to freely interpret Coleman’s poems and create their own unique compositions. Each song on the album provides a different perspective on Coleman’s work, revealing the diverse and multifaceted nature of her poetry. Visitors to the exhibition can sit back, relax on sofas, and listen to the album while taking in the visuals of the video installation.
Multi-Sensory Experience
“The Wanda Coleman Songbook” offers viewers a truly immersive and multi-sensory experience. The combination of video, music, and scent creates a fully immersive environment that transports visitors to the heart of Los Angeles. Rather than a traditional soundtrack, the project includes scents that evoke elements of the city and enhance the overall sensory experience. This multi-dimensional approach allows viewers to engage with the art on multiple levels, creating a unique and memorable experience.
Premiere at 52 Walker Gallery
“The Wanda Coleman Songbook” will have its premiere at 52 Walker, a gallery located in the TriBeCa neighborhood of New York City. The exhibition will run from the opening night through March 16, offering visitors ample time to experience Smith’s immersive installation. The premiere in New York serves as a testament to the universal appeal and relevance of Los Angeles and its artistic contributions.
Exhibition Dates and Location
The exhibition of “The Wanda Coleman Songbook” will be on display at 52 Walker gallery in TriBeCa. The exhibition opens on the premiere night and will run until March 16, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Smith’s exploration of Los Angeles. Mark your calendars to ensure you don’t miss this unique and engaging exhibition.
Inspiration from Los Angeles
Smith’s immersive video installation is deeply rooted in the artist’s personal connection to Los Angeles. She considers the city her home and her obsession, and through this project, she seeks to capture and articulate the essence of Los Angeles’ seductions and precarity. By immersing herself in the city’s unique energy and drawing inspiration from Wanda Coleman’s poetry, Smith creates a powerful and evocative tribute to the city she loves.
Tuning into the City’s Signals
During the filming of “The Wanda Coleman Songbook,” Smith and her crew took a guerrilla-style approach, capturing the city as it revealed itself to them. Instead of meticulously planned shots, they allowed the city to guide their filming process. This organic and intuitive approach enabled them to capture the raw and authentic essence of Los Angeles. The film serves as a love letter to the city, tuning into its signals and capturing its many moods and nuances.
Filming Locations
The filming of “The Wanda Coleman Songbook” took place across various locations in Los Angeles. From the breathtaking beaches to the bustling streets of downtown, Smith and her crew ventured into different neighborhoods and landscapes to capture the essence of the city. By exploring a range of locations, they were able to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Los Angeles, creating a captivating visual journey for viewers.
Overall, “The Wanda Coleman Songbook” promises to be a truly immersive and captivating artistic experience. Through her innovative approach to combining video, music, and scent, Cauleen Smith transports viewers into the heart of Los Angeles, paying tribute to the city and the poetry of Wanda Coleman. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique exhibition and delve into the soul of Los Angeles.
