The Eighth Automobile
ABOUT THE WORK
London has one of the most unique sound system cultures in the world. Beyond the clubs and carnival, we can hear them blasting on the street, or in after hour parking lots–enormous sub woofers in car trunks pushing air so hard it can shake your core. These sound systems are built from passion. Their bass gathers us, heard but not seen, often labeled a nuisance, but for many of us, these sounds herald community and life.
Artist and composer Joe Namy celebrates London’s music heritage and his personal passion for sound system cultures through his ongoing, international project Automobile. For Art Night, this Walthamstow focused performance will congregate the most unique, souped-up sound cars in London, linking the super-charged systems to create an immersive, synchronised, surround sound environment. Throughout the night, a live 10-channel mix of field recordings and sounds collected and composed by Namy will be weaved into a durational sonic arrangement featuring sound clashes and mixes from guest sound artists, DJs, and musicians to vibrate and explore the limits of these sound systems.
Accompanying the vehicles are a series of visual accents designed by Namy. Feathers, blades, and teardrop banners will blaze the car parks, using textiles sourced from Walthamstow’s market and produced and tailored by the Waltham Forest Recycling Project.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Artist and composer Joe Namy addresses questions of identity, memory and power most specifically in relation to sound, music, popular culture and collaboration.
ABOUT THE VENUE
Sainsbury’s multi-storey car park and The Mall are located on Walthamstow Market.
