Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and scents of Los Angeles through an extraordinary art installation by Cauleen Smith. In her latest project, “The Wanda Coleman Songbook,” Smith combines film, music, and scent to create a multi-sensory experience that pays homage to the legendary poet Wanda Coleman. Shot guerilla-style across the diverse landscapes of Los Angeles, the film captures the city’s essence while using Coleman’s poetry as its guiding force. Accompanied by an album of specially commissioned songs by renowned musicians, this New York debut at 52 Walker gallery offers a unique and compelling exploration of both the artistic legacy of Wanda Coleman and the captivating allure of Los Angeles.
The Wanda Coleman Songbook: A New York Art Debut
Background
Cauleen Smith, a renowned artist and filmmaker, is unveiling her latest project at 52 Walker in TriBeCa, New York. The project, titled “The Wanda Coleman Songbook,” is an immersive video installation that combines sight, sound, and scent to explore the vibrant city of Los Angeles. The exhibition pays homage to the influential poet, Wanda Coleman, and her invaluable contributions to the literary landscape of L.A.
Filming in Los Angeles
To create this unique video installation, Cauleen Smith assembled a small crew and embarked on a guerrilla-style shoot across Los Angeles. With no permits and locations scouted on the fly, they captured the essence of the city over four days and nights. Guided by the words of Wanda Coleman, the crew filmed everything from the ocean to East L.A., capturing the diversity and energy of the city.
The filming process involved long tracking shots of the beach and bustling streets filled with fast-food outlets and auto shops. They also captured panoramic views from hilltops and focused on specific locations such as downtown garment-shop blocks and railroad crossings. The crew adopted an improvisational approach, allowing the city to unfold organically and letting the urban environment shape the narrative.
Premiere at 52 Walker
“The Wanda Coleman Songbook” premieres at 52 Walker, a gallery in TriBeCa, where it will be on display until March 16. This New York debut showcases Cauleen Smith’s deep connection to Los Angeles and her exploration of the city through an immersive sensory experience.
The installation consists of a video displayed on four channels, projected from floor to ceiling. However, it goes beyond visual elements and incorporates an album of seven specially commissioned songs by renowned musicians including Meshell Ndegeocello and Kelsey Lu. Each song is a unique interpretation of a poem by Wanda Coleman, providing a rich auditory experience for visitors.
In the gallery space, comfortable seating arrangements allow viewers to relax and listen to the music on an EP that corresponds in length to the video. The EP can be started at any point, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the installation at their own pace.
Introduction to Cauleen Smith
Cauleen Smith is an artist and filmmaker known for her innovative and thought-provoking projects. With a deep appreciation for multi-disciplinary art forms, Smith constantly pushes boundaries and challenges traditional artistic practices. Her work often addresses social and political issues, and “The Wanda Coleman Songbook” is a testament to her ability to weave together various art forms to create a powerful narrative.
Smith’s previous projects have garnered critical acclaim and have been showcased in prestigious galleries and museums around the world. Her artistic vision and ability to engage audiences through immersive installations have made her a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.
Overview of the Project
“The Wanda Coleman Songbook” is a conceptually rich project that delves into the heart of Los Angeles. The installation aims to capture the essence of the city by engaging multiple senses and exploring its idiosyncrasies. Through the interplay of sight, sound, and scent, Cauleen Smith provides viewers with a multi-dimensional experience that immerses them in the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles.
Smith’s project is not a traditional documentary or static art piece, but rather an invitation to explore and engage with the city and its cultural heritage. By blending elements of film, music, and scent, she creates an environment that encourages visitors to reflect, contemplate, and connect with their own experiences of urban life.
Influence of Wanda Coleman
Wanda Coleman, a celebrated poet of Los Angeles, plays a significant role in shaping Cauleen Smith’s artistic journey. Coleman’s poetry captures the raw and often complex emotions of the city, providing a source of inspiration for Smith’s exploration of Los Angeles’s essence.
Coleman’s poems not only convey the beauty and complexity of Los Angeles but also provide invaluable insight into the social and cultural dynamics of the city. By integrating Coleman’s words into her project, Smith offers visitors a deeper understanding of the city’s rhythm and spirit.
The connection between Coleman and Smith is a testament to the power of artistic inspiration and the ways in which artists can find strength and meaning through the work of those who came before them. Smith’s engagement with Coleman’s poetry allows her to tap into a shared history and create a dialogue between past and present.
Gathering a Crew
To bring “The Wanda Coleman Songbook” to life, Cauleen Smith assembled a talented and dedicated crew. The process of assembling the crew was meticulous, with each member chosen for their unique skills and ability to adapt to the challenges of guerrilla-style filming. This diverse team brought together individuals with backgrounds in film production, sound engineering, and visual arts, ensuring a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to the project.
Guerrilla-style Shoot
Filming in Los Angeles required a guerrilla-style approach, with the crew forgoing permits and embracing the spontaneous nature of the city. This allowed Smith and her team to capture authentic and unscripted moments, showcasing the true essence of Los Angeles.
The guerrilla-style filming approach presented both benefits and risks. On one hand, it provided the freedom to explore the city without limitations, capturing hidden gems and unexpected encounters. On the other hand, it required the crew to be adaptable and agile, ready to film at a moment’s notice and navigate potential obstacles.
Throughout the shoot, improvisation played a crucial role. The crew embraced the unexpected, allowing the city itself to dictate the direction of the film. This approach resulted in a raw and evocative portrayal of Los Angeles, immersing viewers in the city’s vibrant energy and rich cultural tapestry.
Comfortable Environment for Visitors
“The Wanda Coleman Songbook” aims to provide visitors with a welcoming and relaxing space to engage with the artwork. The gallery space at 52 Walker has been carefully curated to create an environment conducive to reflection, contemplation, and enjoyment.
Seating arrangements are strategically placed to allow viewers to comfortably experience the video installation and listen to the commissioned songs. The sofas provide a space for visitors to sit, relax, and fully immerse themselves in the sensory experience.
By creating a relaxed atmosphere, the installation encourages individuals to spend time with the artwork, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the sights, sounds, and scents of Los Angeles. This comfortable environment ensures that visitors can fully engage with the project and share in the artist’s vision.
In conclusion, “The Wanda Coleman Songbook” represents Cauleen Smith’s profound exploration of Los Angeles and her sincere tribute to the influential poet, Wanda Coleman. Through the interplay of sight, sound, and scent, Smith provides viewers with an immersive and multi-dimensional experience that captures the essence of the city. This groundbreaking project invites visitors to reflect, contemplate, and connect with the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles, celebrating its diverse culture and rich artistic heritage.
