Willie’s dream (2021)

Collaboration with Chihiro Shibayama

Supported by Artist in Vacancy Program of Newburgh Community Bank (2020-2021)

Made in ESKFF Residency at MANA Contemporary, NJ (May 2021)

Willie’s Dream, 2021

Collaborative Installation by Kate Bae & Chihiro Shibayama

52x94x6 inches, acrylic, end caps, jump rings, lobster clasp, twines on wood

Install site: Fullerton Carriage House

My first collaboration with a musician (percussionist) Chihiro Shibayama. Tracing and honoring the largely forgotten Newburgh born composer William Fullerton Jr. aka Willie Fullerton Jr. (1854-1888), this is a collaboration to engage a cross dialogue between audio and visual installation inspired by his life and his lover Percy Anderson (1851-1928), who was a stage designer and painter.

This is about home, family, love, inclusion, struggle, and art. The slats play melody from Fullerton Jr.’s title song The Locket Song from the opera Lady of the Locket when struck in order from left to right, thus allowing anyone who does not read musical notation to perform his work. Each slat is tuned as follows: C5, F5, E5, Db5, C5, Bb4, Bb4, Ab4, G4, Ab4, Bb4, C5, C5.

backstory

This project was literally born out of the pandemic as Chihiro & I met working for the US Census Bureau as a customer service representatives. Both of us were feeling lost as our profession came to a complete stop. The New York Census office offered a melting pot of culture and all sorts of backgrounds because everyone who worked there were bilingual; I was hired for Korean language, and Chihiro for Japanese. There were 14 different languages spoken at the office.
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At work, we weren't allowed to have cell phones, pencils, basically have nothing with us, because of the super strict confidential clause. We were so creative. During a quick break, Chihiro would tap on the desk and pressed keyboard to create beats, other coworkers joined by dancing and singing - then we would quickly go back to our desks after the break was over. It was such an incredible experience in very weird circumstance. I wanted to create something with her as I always wanted to put music in my paintings, not knowing what will happen.

We would’ve never guessed that the piece will be installed at the birthplace of Willie Fullerton Jr when we initially formed a thought. The idea grew and people were connected in such an organic way. I want to say huge thanks to a historian, author and founder of the Fullerton Cultural Center Michael Green and a sculptor Jeff Wallace who appeared magically and helped the installation. Without them this piece would not exist.

And of course, super thanks to the Newburgh Community Bank Project Director Diana Mangaser who offered the opportunity and connected us all. And everyone who helped. This was a no small task; it involved a lot of people.

Initially we had such a trouble figuring out how to hang the slats and it took a while to figure this out through trial and error. When Chihiro played the slats though, it was so awesome.

I always wanted to have music in my painting. Music has a healing quality for everyone and it is immediately effective in my opinion. I love how music can exist in my painting and anyone can participate. During the pandemic so many people died, got hurt, and struggled to survive. I also struggled a lot with fear, hate, xenophobia; as an Asian woman I got harassed a lot. I was assaulted verbally almost daily on the way to work, got spat at, and even got punched in my face. With so much hate and pessimism everywhere, I wanted to contribute something positive to the world and somehow cleanse the hate. I am happy that the result came out this way. This piece will exist at the Fullerton Carriage house indefinitely so you can go visit and play in person.