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Dark and disturbing landscapes. Penetrating bright light. Black humour. Challenging issues. James Hullick’s work is characterised by an unusual ability to use sound to engage in social issues. Hullick has found firm artistic footing as a composer, pianist, vocalist, sound and installation artist. His sonic works have been presented in Asia, North America and Europe for a variety of ensembles and electronic formats. His willingness to engage with the relevant issues of the community is continuously exemplified though his works. “Shelf Life” – a 24 hour piano improvisation set in a shop in Vietnamese Footscray - addressed issues of immigration and colonisation at the coalface. His string quartet, “Dunera”, commissioned by Julian Burnside QC presented similar issues before a more affluent and potentially culpable audience at the Malthouse. His recent CD, performed by BOLT and titled BOLT, examines the face of Death in a materialist society in denial. Hullick has, in recent years, imposed his clearly defined voice on the world of gallery based art installations, digitally driven visual art works and text art. The most recent of Hullick’s installations – “is there a spirit in those bones?” presented at Westspace Gallery– featured interactive robotic sound machines in an abattoir-like setting. This work addresses issues surrounding systems of control and the community’s willingness to comply without satisfactory debate. There is a clear contradiction in the work of Hullick; an aggressive resistance to conform to any set ideology that constantly wrestles with an almost zealous desire to live compassionately. If you are seeking an easy listening art experience, with no debate required and with everything spelt out for you, then stay away. from the works of Hullick – Barry Mannilow might be a more palatable option for you. Hullick has completed a Masters in composition at Melbourne University and is currently researching the phenomenon of “Recursion” for his PhD in the School of Art at RMIT University. Or the pursuit of altruism. Or the ringing of emptiness as manifestation of the ground. Or a shift from this place that is the mind. Or it would be fine to think that the lesson in impermanence leads to the lesson in permanence. Or. |