“slyly sublime and beautifully brutal”
– The Alibi (Albuquerque, NM)
Obstacle Illusion Live (Thollem/Synth, ACVilla/Live VDMX) pairs ACVilla’s visuals with an electronic soundtrack by Thollem. Stemming from the name of Thollem’s solo album on Astral Spirits Records, the music is an exploration and a celebration of sound, influenced and inspired by infinite sonic approaches and sources. ACVilla takes us on a visual journey utilizing unique techniques and approaches she has developed over the last decade. Through multiple overlaying of live sonic and visual stimuli, Obstacle Illusion Live reveals subconscious thoughts and hidden memories. The experience is simultaneously pleasurable, challenging and intellectually stimulating. Eternity filtered through two artists at the center of a world on the edge.
ACVilla “invites viewers to see an artistic bridge between human’s urban developments and the natural world,” while “Thollem’s talent pushes the boundaries of melody, inviting the audience to observe and think deeply throughout the uncanny and unique auditory artwork they are experiencing.” – Lola Watts (Santa Barbara Independent)
With ACVilla’s work “there’s a continuous sense that things aren’t quite right but are still beautiful and intriguing. It’s a similar quality that I’m after with my approach with the Wavestate. We’re both interested in recontextualising sounds and images and therefore challenging our preconceptions about life and our relationship with the world.” The Wire Magazine
Thollem is a perpetually traveling pianist, keyboardist and composer. He’s spent most of his life living on the road throughout North America and Europe. His work is ever-changing, evolving and responding to the times and his experiences, both as a soloist and in collaboration with hundreds of artists across idioms and disciplines. “Thollem displays a chameleonic ability to adapt to suit whatever musical context presents itself…there is more than one way to access the infinite.” (Daniel Spicer, The Wire)
Since 2008, ACVilla (Chicana) has lived as a peripatetic photographer, videographer and visual artist. She focuses her camera on the nuances that define the character of the fleeting yet eternal present moment as well as the dynamics of the world at large. Her work is shown throughout the US and Europe in DIY spaces, museums, galleries, schools and universities. ACVilla is “the kind of fiercely independent artist the world needs more of.” (LiveEyeTV)
Obstacle Illusion Live has been presented by:
the University of Santa Barbara, Guild Cinema in Albuquerque, Uncool Residency in Poschiavo, La Chute in Firenze, Teatro Refugio in Livorno, Rotunda in Philadelphia, Array Music in Toronto, Ler Devagar in Lisbon, Sonoscopia in Porto, Sala Perriera in Palermo, Infrasuoni l’Asilo in Napoli, Resilienza in Bitonto, Spettro in Brescia, OCCii in Amsterdam, Center for Contemporary and Artaud Theater in Santa Fe, Works/San José, Silence in Guelph, Performing Arts Forum in St. Erme, and Imbarchino in Torino.