Artist Robert Ladislas Derr is searching for one to three community members interested in singing “Christopher Columbus,” a short song by 1950s pop artist Guy Mitchell about the legendary 15-century explorer, for his 10 town multi-media project, Discovering Columbus.
Prior singing experience is not necessary; Derr, as associate professor of art at Ohio State University, wants each person to interpret the song. The project includes the 10 towns in the U.S. named after Christopher Columbus and culminates in a four-channel video installation of the songs and public performances he hopes to exhibit in each of the towns.
Along with the song, he will film the kicking of a globe to points that map out the constellation of the day Columbus, Miss., was incorporated in Saunders Field Feb.10, 1821. Therefore, Derr will use the constellation Aquarius for this city.
In another public performance, the points of this constellation become navigation for Derr as he walks through Columbus” streets, wearing four video cameras, capturing the life flow.
Derr has exhibited and performed across North America and Europe, and in South America, in 28 solo exhibitions and over 150 group exhibitions including Playing the City at the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt. His work has been featured in many publications.
To volunteer your voice, contact Derr via email at [email protected]. He will be in Columbus June 23-24.
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