DeForrest Brown Jr. is a theorist, journalist, curator, visual artist, and, by necessity, a musician. Raised in America’s deep South, he asks difficult questions, which make us look at how we think about race and class, society and history. As Speaker Music, he channels the African American modernist tradition of rhythm and soul music against crushed samples and technological sounds. The project was inspired by Rhythmanalysis, a book of essays by urbanist philosopher Henri Lefebvre, and by considerations of momentum and the ‘chronopolitical’ by British cultural theorist Kodwo Eshu.

He is joined by Phantom Chips (Tara Pattenden), whose work over the past two decades has revolved around a unique and embedded approach to self-made, wearable electronics. These tactile sonic creations become the foundation of her performances, where she invites audience members to wear them, and, by so doing, become part of the emergent noise field.

Accessibility We are committed to making the IMA accessible to visitors of all abilities, their families, and carers, as well as to visitors of different ages and different backgrounds. Our entrance is on the ground floor of the Judith Wright Arts Centre, on Berwick Street. There is wheelchair access and an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities also on the ground floor, and we welcome guide and support dogs. If you plan to attend this event and have specific support needs we can accommodate, please contact engagement@ima.org.au, call (07) 3252 5750, or ask our friendly staff onsite. Read our access information for visitors here.