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Reflection Pools

by Chad Kouri

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1.
Reflect 19:30
Look inward. Observe, without judgment.
2.
Play 16:28
Instrumental

about

This album contains two abstract guided meditations published on the occasion of Chad Kouri’s Reflection Pools exhibition, March 2-13, 2021, at Chinatown Soup in New York City, presented by Uprise Art.

“Reflect” was recorded live on January 17, 2021, in Chicago at Hubbard Street Lofts in the studio of artist Doug Fogelson, down the hall from Post Studio—the shared multidisciplinary art studio and home of Post Studio Band and Post Studio Records. The drumset outro was recorded at a later date at the home of Rod Hunting, My Tang, and Data Hunting in Forest Park, IL. Instrumentation includes improvised hand percussion, electric bass and guitar, tenor saxophone, chimes, and drum kit, all played by Kouri. Thank you to Almigdad Aldikhaiiry, Julia Arredondo, Margot Harrington, Rachel Johnson, Ania Kuma, Liliana Lewicka, Carlotta Mastroianni, and Crystal Wells for their voices.

“Play” was recorded live on February 16, 2019, in Los Angeles at Subliminal Projects during the run of Kouri’s solo exhibition entitled “The Center”. The field recording of children playing was recorded from the back yard of the house that Kouri stayed at in the Angelino Heights neighborhood during the run of the exhibition. Instrumentation includes live improvised bass and effects, along with street noise and field recordings. Mastered by John Bowers.

Reflection Pools Exhibition Statement

With roots in ancient Persian gardens, the reflecting pool is an architectural design feature used in parks and memorial sites. These undisturbed waters create a literal and metaphorical moment for reflection by mirroring the onlooker’s image and offering a serene opportunity for pause. Likewise, the central metallic silver circle in Kouri’s paintings encourages the experience of deep-looking that prioritizes the viewer’s perspective. As the viewer’s relation to the painting changes, different features of the room around it are reflected, leading to an infinitely changing viewing experience.

In a similar context, the circle was used in prehistoric petroglyphs to symbolize a portal to a spiritual realm. Modern interpretations view the circle as a symbol of perfection, wholeness, cycles, and the infinite; it is at once the sun, the moon, a clock, a compass, the wheel, and a vanity mirror. With so many associations both past and present, the reflective circle is the ideal symbol to activate the mind in an exploration of personal rumination.

Accompanying audio pieces enhance the immersive quality of the work, creating an atmospheric and healing space. The contemplative sounds include Kouri’s collection of field recordings and live, improvised music on bass, tenor saxophone, guitar and more, which gently persuade the mind into a state of active leisure. The audio works are available below.

credits

released February 23, 2021

Produced by John Bowers and Chad Kouri. Mixed and mastered by John Bowers.

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Chad Kouri Chicago, Illinois

Chad Kouri is an American visual artist and multi-instrumentalist based in Chicago, IL. His music is inspired by Chicago's rich history of improvisation and resistance/protest. His mixed-race identity is mirrored by his multidisciplinary studio practice, focusing broadly on visual art, music, design, and mutual aid. ... more

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