Burtle and Mann’s Anthology Launch at Santa Monica Public Library

“Propositional Attitudes: What do we do now?” book cover | Image by John Burtle and Elana Mann

On Wednesday, April 4, the Santa Monica Library presents a Soundwaves Concert in conjunction with the launch of the book Propositional Attitudes: What do we do now? (2018: Golden Spike Press) by CalArts alums John Burtle (Art BFA 08) and Elana Mann (Art MFA 07).

Artists Mann and Burtle are celebrating the release of their new co-edited collection of sonic, multimedia and conceptual performance texts at the library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium starting at 7:30 p.m. with a discussion about the book. Pieces by Michael Hooper and Mark So will be performed live by fellow CalArtian Corey Fogel (Music MFA 04) and composer-performer Dana Reason appears in a real-time online collaboration. The event is free and open to the public.

Soundwaves Concert: Propositional Attitudes: What Do We Do Now? | Image by Santa Monica Public Library

From the Propositional Attitudes website:

The pieces in the book follow a long historical tradition of artists who blurred art and life through performance scores, directions, and instructions such as Pauline Oliveros, Lygia Clark, Allan Kaprow, ACT UP, Fluxus, the Diggers, Saul Alinsky, belle hooks and many more.

These scores are meant to be performed by anyone anywhere. Some of them are written for audience members; what is traditionally a passive role becomes one that is more self-aware or conscious. Various scores address the politics of listening—Who listens and who speaks? What is (not) being heard? Others are more goal-oriented, and operate directly as tools for social organizing. Some are theatrical critiques of historical or contemporary conflicts, while others focus on creating meaningful interpersonal exchange.

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago is scheduled to host another book event with scheduled performances by Michael Workman and Udita Upadhyaya.

The 137-page perfect bound, risograph book is available online now for $15.

—by Oscar Burrows-Rangel