KENNETH ANGER
b. 1927, United StatesKenneth Anger’s work constitutes a radical critique of Hollywood, often evoking and referencing an iconography of contemporary pop culture within occult settings, and depicting youth counterculture in the midst of ‘magick’ rituals, violence and eroticism. Using a non-narrative style, Anger´s abstract films are highly symbolic and cinematic manifestations of his occult practices, exploring themes of ritualistic transformation. His films are imbued with a baroque splendour stemming from the heightened sensuality of an opulent use of colours and mystic imagery. Devoid of dialogue, the recurrent theme of music is immediately apparent in Anger’s visionary films which have earned him widespread acknowledgement as the pioneer of MTV and the music video.
Kenneth Anger (*1927, Santa Monica, CA) lives and works in Santa Monica, CA. Works include Fireworks (1947), Eaux d’Artifice (1953), Rabbit’s Moon (1950—1973), Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome (1954—1966), Scorpio Rising (1964), Invocation of My Demon Brother (1969) and Lucifer Rising (1970—1981). Exhibitions and screenings include Barbican Centre, London (2020), IMMA, Dublin, Zeppelin Museum, Friedrichshafen (both 2017), Whitney Museum, New York (2015), Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (2011), Institute of Contemporary Arts, London (July 2013) and Sprüth Magers Berlin and London (2013). Anger’s work has been featured at the Athens Biennial 2009, P.S.1 Contemporary Art Centre, New York in 2009 and the Whitney Biennial 2006.
Courtesy Sprüth Magers
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