For one week (23-30 November 2020) a new short art film “In The Footsteps of Li-Yuan Chia and Delia Derbyshire” by Madelon Hooykaas was shared for Delia Derbyshire Day 2020.
Here are some of the delightful responses we received:
“This is eminently enjoyable and took me out of myself, and my usual experience for a while.”
“What delicious sounds! Ear delights. Your score is perfectly supportive of the visual and has a lovely mutating organic/inorganic sensibility.”
“Rather enjoyed a break from reality and there’s something therapeutic about watching a paintbrush I think.”
“Loving the soundtrack and film – what great pairings.”
Unfortunately it is no longer available to view online for now.
You can however see the first minute or so at the beginning of this video – Madelon was interviewed for DD Day 2020 by David Butler, where she talks more about the project and our collaboration.
I met Madelon back in 2016 as she came over for our Delia Derbyshire Day 2016 at HOME in Manchester, UK. We got on well and Madelon then asked me to collaborate with her on this new film inspired by her friendships and work with Chinese artist based in Cumbria Li-Yuan Chia and electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire.
We visited Li’s grave in Cumbria as well as the LYC Museum he set up in the village of Banks in North Cumbria. Delia worked there in the late 1970’s and Madelon even remembered where Delia’s house was in a neighbouring village.
I then went to visit Madelon in Amsterdam and we started exploring some sound and music ideas to accompany her moving image. First we performed the piece live at Manchester Art Gallery in May 2019 and then we set about creating a studio/film version of the work. And here it is!
It was an honour to work with a dedicated, humble yet assertive artist who is still playful and working hard. It was my first foray into the world of prepared piano too – using objects like a ping pong ball and jar lid played inside a grand piano to create some unique and eery sounds.
I hope you enjoy it 🙂
As always, headphones or decent stereo speakers highly recommended for optimum absorption!
This project was supported by LYC Foundation, Manchester Art Gallery and The Paul Mellon Centre.
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