Atlas

for string quartet, percussion, and dancers

Commissioned by FORM: building a state of creativity. Premiered by the Dewe Quartet, on June 22, 2023, at FORM Gallery, WA

Atlas was the second instalment of a collaboration with WA visual artist, Susan Flavell.

A graphic-score is embedded into Flavell’s artwork, toying with imagery of scattered coordinates across a map. A string quartet performs by navigating a custom path across the image.

A percussionist accompanies the quartet, performing out of a wooden bread-making bowl, reimagined by Flavell as a hybrid musical sculpture. The bowl is filled with ceramic bowls, leaves, sand, and sticks, while the outside is fitted with assorted bells, rollers, wires, and cymbals.

Two dancers, dressed in Flavell’s costumes, Drought and Flood, perform around the audience and performers, choreographed by Sean Murphy. The dancer’s quiet, improvised movement responds to the quartet.

score below, engraved by Susan Flavell: