Brion Gysin: Dream Machine at the NEW MUSEUM

James Kalm, through his studies of the "beat" artists, has heard rumors of the legendary Brion Gyson for years, but it wasn't until this New Museum show, put together by Laura Hoptman, Kraus Family Senior Curator, with assistance from Amy Mackie, that he was able to experience the work that spawned the myth. Since the New Museum's relocation to the Bowery, this is their first show dedicated to a dead artist. Gysin is probably best known for his long term collaboration with William Burroughs, and his invention of the "cut-up" technique, which he gifted to Burroughs and used to great effect in his collage and poetry. With over 300 works, including the famous "Dream Machine", this show should be required viewing for anyone wishing a deeper understanding of the "beat". Includes an interview with Laure Hoptman and a conversational tour with Valery Oisteanu.

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[jameskalm]

For any of you interested in more information on this artist or exhibition, I'd I highly recommend the article "The Ghost in the Dreamachine" by Valery Oisteanu which appears in the September Brooklyn Rail. He's the cat who suggests I get some psychedelics to really understand the work.

[scag15]

James, Speak to Ira Cohen if you want a deeper understanding of Brion Gysin. As far as having to "be on drugs" to get it is BS. It reduces the man's work. Drugs definitely informed his consciousness and choices, but it's more than that. The Dream Machine is meant to reproduce the drug experience w/o drugs. Go to the source for your information. Read "Back in No Time" to get the true history and a good idea of his opus. Beware of those who claim to "know" and offer reductive perspectives.

[maeiraldi]

haha whats with the girl rolling her eyes during the speech?

[innercalling]

Fantastic. I appreciate the tour and information.

-Axis

[honusrune]

1:45--love the bored-looking assistant drinking coffee. :)

[kellycigman]

Can't thank you enough for posting this! I am out of the country for a while and wouldn't have been able to make it to the show! Truly, truly, truly appreciate your posting!

[earinsound]

dream machine was designed to induce "hallucinations" w/o drugs (built by ian sommerville). wish i could see this show. gysin is a personal inspiration...this show looks amazing! the anti-thesis to empty art (e.g. warhol).

language is a virus...i'm for a post-literate society...hieroglyphics!

[bobwilsonray]

Another great one and I liked the interaction of Val on this one. I did not know who he was until his name was spelled out and I got online and saw some videos of him delivering some poems and doing other things. I know he was in another of your pieces. Take some stuff and go stare at the dream machine...Thanks James.

[calebengler]

Your inclusion of the revolutionary Dream Machine in your video made me have a seizure.

You'll be hearing from my attorneys, Kalm.