"A sound poem composed of 40 separate sequences of 8 words in phonetic-alphabetical order spoken 1 by 1 in a circular pattern by 8 volunteer participants for a total of 80 consecutive cycles. Each participant holds individual lists of words to be pronounced in numerical order, 1 at a time, when it is their turn in the cycle. The underlying phonetic-alphabetical word sequences are revealed to the group as they are formed out loud with each connecting word. The poem evolves as participants connect each cycle to the next, and thematic content is gradually teased from the strictly phonetic order. As the participants become increasingly familiar and free with the material, the dominance of pure sound from the vocalization of repeating syllables gives way to a combination of phonetic and semantic play."
"KONANTÜis a fluid collective, conceived by Courtney Smith in partnership with Iván Navarro, envisioning an experiential artistic practice in the form of guided exchanges among a set of volunteer participants. As experiments in collectivization, the works take place within an enclosed field of action where participants navigate the constraints of a constructed apparatus, or simply respond to a system of relational cues, to commune with each other creatively in a conducted improvisation. Using connective elements such as music, language, or the transfer of objects, Konantü works weave an intricate fabric of revolving reciprocities in an exploration of our common humanity."
