Movie Chapters:
Introduction
Denis Brown talks on stage about the meaning of calligraphy today, before setting to work on dripping ink over a 32 foot long panel.
Flow
A short sequence quoting philosopher Mihály Csíkszentmihályi on 'flow', followed by a sequence of ink dripping down large wet papers. A mix of live footage with pre made movies that were projected over the live performance in Chicago. Ambient musical soundtrack composed and recorded by Denis Brown.
Writing Wet
Semi abstract calligraphy on very wet paper. Remarkable noise of slashing pen-strokes merges into a percussive rhythm.
We are Flow-ers
Beautiful sequences of ink falling through water with ambient musical soundtrack scored to picture by Denis Brown. This work develops and significantly extends an earlier ink movie that has been available on YouTube and on Denis Brown's website.
Barcode Concept
Denis Brown discusses concepts behind the 32 foot long panel he has just completed on stage, (parts of working this panel are shown in the sequences mentioned above). A barcode is a contemporary functional document that communicates text while calligraphy is long outmoded for such functional textual communication. He finds links between the ancient and the current and brings them into his work.
Dance of Line
A short sequence of waving translucent fabric over projections of calligraphy. Denis dances through the projections which illuminate his body yet mask his features. Strong gestural movements used here not to write, but to modulate earlier writings projected over the body and over moving fabrics. Lively music adapted from a Celtic reel.
SMS Concepts
Denis discusses 'SMS' digital phone text messaging and finds inspiration in it.
Text me
A sequence playing on the button pushing digital skill of text messaging. To text has become a verb thanks to SMS. Rhythmic music produced by Denis Brown in Zydeco style featuring button accordions.
SMS Txt Poems
Short verses written with 'txt' abbreviations, presented in low resolution bitmapped type, contrast with a backdrop of expressive calligraphy.
Expressive Writing
Denis writes "Text me' in a bold style with incredibly fast pen manipulations. Shown real time in close up, a scribe's eye view.
Huge Writing
Writing "Text me' again; this time live on a 16 foot by 4 foot panel. A deviant arrangement of a traditional Irish tune pounds out a simple bodhran rhythm with screaming synth drones and haunting female vocals. This sound track develops and evolves into the following sequence.
Abstract Sgraffito
The finale performance. Gestural abstract strokes into wet oil paint on a 20 foot long transparent Plexiglas panel. Lit from behind, the effect was a new kind of illuminated manuscript; abstract expressionism with an effect of stained glass.
Credits
Extras
PDF illustrated article by Denis Brown. Highly recommended reading. Insert disc into a computer DVD drive to access the PDF. The article is also supplied with the Deluxe Collector's Edition as a high quality printed booklet .
Slideshow of Ink Works by Denis Brown.
New Year 2008 movie, as was posted online last year, here presented in DVD quality. This was the original 'Ink' movie which has been developed and extended in "The Music of Ink'.
