Ava Imogen Grayson

Francesco Fabris & Ava Grayson present ‘PETRA’ - out on 06/12/24. ‘PETRA’ is a site-specific audiovisual work created in an empty oil cistern on the Swedish island of Svanö. The original 36-minute performance was commissioned by NONAGON Festival in 2022 for the Nordic Lights residency, focussing thematically on ‘oil.’ Every place carries imprints of events that unfold over time—a geographical palimpsest. Around the cistern of Svanö is the natural fodder for future crude oil, consisting of ancient plant and animal matter. Below the cistern is the land from which the Swedish vocal tradition of kulning (Nordic herding calling) grew and flourished. Far below is stone: the spine of the earth from which we forcefully extract fossil fuels in our need to satisfy societal demand. Etymologically, the word ‘petroleum’ came into usage in 1546 and translates from Latin to mean ‘stone oil.’ Through their collaborative audiovisual work, Fabris and Grayson weave a narrative deeply rooted in the cistern’s historical and geographical narrative. Deconstructed sounds from found objects, processed field recordings, and footage from the site have been pieced together with live kulning and dramatically shaped by the 25-second reverb of the tank itself. Data charts tracking global oil demand and consumption have been used to form the structure of the piece, depicting a transformation from organic matter into petrochemical substances that have great potential to both empower and danger. Written, produced & recorded by Francesco Fabris & Ava Grayson Vocals, metal pipes, electronics by Ava Grayson Visuals, guitar, electronics by Francesco Fabris Mixed & mastered at Greenhouse Studios, Reykjavík, Iceland

We are opening a sound art exhibition next week at @aanenlumo with works by me @aigrayson @unavs_ and @lainemiramir 
Welcome to the opening on the 23th (18-20) where I’ll also share a movement practice/performance at 19. The exhibition is open already from the 21 til 24 from 3pm-8pm. ❤️‍🔥

Sincerely looking forward to performing my work 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙐𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙞 at Walls Have Ears (Seintel on Kõrvad) festival in Estonia this month. 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝘿𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙐𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙞 takes place in almost complete darkness, with the artist as a guide through symbols and sensations that are older than memory. Through layered soundscapes, spoken word, primordial song, and scent, it is an oneironautic passage through a triptych of Grayson’s dreams.

The last days of my time at @saariresidence are here, as is the close of another decade of my life. I am grateful to have had these quiet weeks here of sunsets, stars, friends new and old, and the amazing support in my doctoral research. Heading back to Helsinki to turn 40, I will be all the richer for the things I’ve learned, both in the studio and with the other artists. Photo: Jussi Virkkumaa / Saari Residence #saariresidence

Very excited to have our audiovisual ep ‘PETRA’ out today! Available on Bandcamp with four prints making a special poster in heavy grain black matte paper 🪨 PETRA’ is a site-specific audiovisual work created in an empty oil cistern on the Swedish island of Svanö. The original 36-minute performance was commissioned by NONAGON Festival in 2022 for the Nordic Lights residency, focussing thematically on ‘oil.’ Every place carries imprints of events that unfold over time—a geographical palimpsest. Around the cistern of Svanö is the natural fodder for future crude oil, consisting of ancient plant and animal matter. Below the cistern is the land from which the Swedish vocal tradition of kulning (Nordic herding calling) grew and flourished. Far below is stone: the spine of the earth from which we forcefully extract fossil fuels in our need to satisfy societal demand. Etymologically, the word ‘petroleum’ came into usage in 1546 and translates from Latin to mean ‘stone oil.’ Through their collaborative audiovisual work, Fabris and Grayson weave a narrative deeply rooted in the cistern’s historical and geographical narrative. Deconstructed sounds from found objects, processed field recordings, and footage from the site have been pieced together with live kulning and dramatically shaped by the 25-second reverb of the tank itself. Data charts tracking global oil demand and consumption have been used to form the structure of the piece, depicting a transformation from organic matter into petrochemical substances that have great potential to both empower and danger. Written, produced and recorded by Francesco Fabris and Ava Grayson. Vocals, metal pipes, electronics by Ava Grayson. Visuals, guitar, electronics by Francesco Fabris. Mixed and mastered at @greenhouse.studios , Reykjavík, Iceland. Thank you: @nonagonfestival , Nordic Light Residency, @tovenowen , @annietxdne , @yourbodyendshere #audiovisual #av #fieldrecording #performance #liveelectronics

“PETRA” pt.2 out now and Bandcamp full EP pre-order! PETRA’ is a site-specific audiovisual work created in an empty oil cistern on the Swedish island of Svanö. The original 36-minute performance was commissioned by NONAGON Festival in 2022 for the Nordic Lights residency, focussing thematically on ‘oil.’ Every place carries imprints of events that unfold over time—a geographical palimpsest. Around the cistern of Svanö is the natural fodder for future crude oil, consisting of ancient plant and animal matter. Below the cistern is the land from which the Swedish vocal tradition of kulning (Nordic herding calling) grew and flourished. Far below is stone: the spine of the earth from which we forcefully extract fossil fuels in our need to satisfy societal demand. Etymologically, the word ‘petroleum’ came into usage in 1546 and translates from Latin to mean ‘stone oil.’ Through their collaborative audiovisual work, Fabris and Grayson weave a narrative deeply rooted in the cistern’s historical and geographical narrative. Deconstructed sounds from found objects, processed field recordings, and footage from the site have been pieced together with live kulning and dramatically shaped by the 25-second reverb of the tank itself. Data charts tracking global oil demand and consumption have been used to form the structure of the piece, depicting a transformation from organic matter into petrochemical substances that have great potential to both empower and danger. Written, produced and recorded by Francesco Fabris and Ava Grayson. Vocals, metal pipes, electronics by Ava Grayson. Visuals, guitar, electronics by Francesco Fabris. Mixed and mastered at @greenhouse.studios , Reykjavík, Iceland. Thank you: @nonagonfestival , Nordic Light Residency, @tovenowen , @annietxdne , @yourbodyendshere

”Olen tullut hyvin iloiseksi kohtaamisista ja kokenut, että eri ikäisten ihmisten kanssa jaettu aika auttaa näkemään monia mahdollisia tulevaisuudenkuvia. Tuntuu tärkeältä, että voi luottaa tulevaisuuteen, kun näkee, että sateenkaarevanakin voi elää pitkään.” ”Kohtaamispaikan aikana saimme erilaisia kysymyksiä, jonka avulla keskustelimme ja tutustuimme toisiimme. Pidin paljon kysymyksestä « Mikä sai sinut hymyilemään tällä viikolla? », joka myös sai aikaan paljon hymyä keskustelijoiden kesken. Tämän kysymyksen kanssa oli ihana tutustua uusiin ihmisiin!” Palautteita Crush[ing] Kohtaamispaikasta, joka järjestettiin 17.2. Kaapelitehtaan Konttorissa. Kohtaamispaikat ovat osa Taidetta Sateenkaariseniorille-hanketta, jota rahoittaa @helsinki ja koordinoi Todellisuuden tutkimuskeskus. —- ENG ”The ecounters have made me very happy and I have found that sharing time with people of different ages helps me to see many possible futures. It feels important to have confidence in the future, to see that you can live a long life as a queer person.” ”During the Meeting Place we were asked a variety of questions, which helped us to discuss and get to know each other. I really liked the question « What made you smile this week? », which also generated a lot of smiles between the participants. This question was a wonderful way to meet new people! » Feedbacks from the Crush[ing] Meeting Place that took place on the 17.2. at Kaapelitehtaan Konttori. The Meeting Places are part of the Art fro Queer Seniors-project that is funded by @helsinki and coordinated by the Reality Research Center. Kuvat/Photos: Rosaliina Elgland

Entering the last year of my thirties, I find a great and strange peace inside of me. It surprises me a little: amidst the days when my heart feels like it’s shattering and I witness terrible things in the world, I nevertheless feel an ability to trust in myself and those I love. I trust that we will always find ways to care for each other and nurture beauty in the world. Even when we are deaf to the song of life, may we never forget that it plays forever.

ununu

“It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” —Jiddu Krishnamurti My doctor has been suggesting a higher dose of antidepressants and even more therapy. No. No more. I suggest dismantling a system that perpetuates itself by devaluing the time it takes for people to deeply listen and dialogue with each other. The presence and grace needed to suspend one’s own assumptions may look soft, but they are powerful and remarkably dangerous to those who wish to keep us isolated and filling the gaps of our loneliness with even more emptiness. Give me a garden and time to breathe, laugh, and cry with others. I wish for this more than anything else.

The last weeks have left me feeling helpless and grief-stricken. As always, I cope with heavy feelings by thinking with my hands, using my voice in peaceful protest, and trying to leave the world better than I found it. I will be selling everything I “therapy sew” from now on, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. All the fabrics I have are reclaimed and vintage. Cloth serviettes and more bags to follow. DM if you’re interested. 🩵

Mustarinda adventures @mustarinda