WESTERN FRONT – United States Part II

Description:

Laurie Anderson presented the second segment of her four-part performance art work United States— a conceptual opera that fuses mechanical, electronic, and live elements in a critical reflection on American life.

Presented in partnership with Emily Carr College of Art and Design (now Emily Carr University of Art + Design).

In black and white, Laurie Anderson is seen in the spotlight standing at a microphone. They gaze downwards with only half their face visible, the rest obscured by shadow. Behind them a white line makes its way across the dark wall, curving to show the southeastern border of the United States.

In black and white, Laurie Anderson is seen onstage with their hands raised in fists level with their face. They have short dark hair, wear dark sunglasses and a dark shiny suit jacket. Beside them a microphone stands pointed, level with their thighs.

In black and white, Laurie Anderson is seen kneeling onstage playing the violin. Their hair is short and dark, and they are dressed in a dark outfit. Beside them a microphone sits, level with the hand which holds the bow.

In black and white, Laurie Anderson sits kneeling onstage looking intently forward. They are holding a microphone up to their open mouth. Their hair is short and dark and they wear a shiny dark suit jacket with dark pants. Beside them another microphone sits leaning down to stand level with their elbow.

In black and white, Laurie Anderson is seen onstage at a microphone, mouth parted slightly, gazing forward. The background is blurred as if a train passes behind them. Their hair is short and dark and they wear a dark shiny suit jacket.

Captions:

Laurie Anderson, United States Part II (1980), photo documentation, Jan 10, 1981.
Laurie Anderson, United States Part II (1980), photo documentation, Jan 10, 1981.
Laurie Anderson, United States Part II (1980), photo documentation, Jan 10, 1981.
Laurie Anderson, United States Part II (1980), photo documentation, Jan 10, 1981.
Laurie Anderson, United States Part II (1980), photo documentation, Jan 10, 1981.

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Western Front is a non-profit artist-run centre in Vancouver.

We acknowledge the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations as traditional owners of the land upon which Western Front stands.