Appau Jnr Boakye-Yiadom's Drumming Performance at Goldsmiths CCA Explores Time and Social Connection
In autumn 2020, Appau Jnr Boakye-Yiadom showcased 'Before, During & After' at Goldsmiths CCA in South London, where he publicly learned to play the drums. His performance featured a drum kit, a Hantarex monitor displaying lessons from five drummers, and sound-dampening panels. Equipped with a PPE visor and headphones, he generated physical vibrations. As the performance progressed, the drum kit was substituted with a video collage, emphasizing communal rhythm and intimacy during social distancing. In September 2020, writer Patrick Langley observed the contrast between the tactile experience and digital sound, citing Pascal Quignard's 'The Hatred of Music' and Paul Gilroy's 'Sounds Authentic'. Boakye-Yiadom's artistic approach involves remixing drums across various media, bridging cultural traditions.
Key facts
- Appau Jnr Boakye-Yiadom performed 'Before, During & After' at Goldsmiths CCA in autumn 2020
- The artist learned to play drums publicly during the exhibition, wearing PPE visor and headphones
- A Hantarex monitor showed prerecorded lessons from five invited drummers
- Sound-dampening panels decorated the gallery walls, resembling minimalist sculpture
- The drum kit was eventually packed away except for a kick drum labeled 'Here SOON'
- A video collage incorporated audio from drum lessons and close-up footage of drums
- Writer Patrick Langley visited in September 2020, referencing Pascal Quignard and Paul Gilroy
- The performance occurred during social distancing, highlighting themes of communal rhythm
Entities
Artists
- Appau Jnr Boakye-Yiadom
- Walter De Maria
- Elvin Jones
- John Cage
- Quincy Jones
Institutions
- Goldsmiths CCA
- Gagosian
- The Velvet Underground
- art-agenda
Locations
- South London
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York