Critical Magic 비평 적 마술 is a mixed reality immersive performance based in physical contact, somatic labor, sound and movement to break physical and mental isolation and to spark discourse that is both critical and utopian. The piece is performed with the help of spontaneous INTERLOCUTORS (volunteer performers) in each location who played a role in linking HYENAZ with the specific site and community context of each performance. As a marvellous and messy organizing of bodies, positionalities and perspectives, it is always a new performance.
Critical Magic 비평 적 마술 emerged from a site specific performance called “Spectral Rite” (2014) commissioned by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), Seoul with HYENAZ working under the direction of Korean artist Sylbee Kim. Since this initial performance Critical Magic 비평 적 마술 has evolved into a uniquely interactive performance that integrates electronic music, chaos magic, performance art, digital media, and interactive play; a moment outside of the everyday where HYENAZ blur distinctions between audience/performer and concert/interactive ritual. Critical Magic 비평 적 마술 walks the fine line between theatrical performance piece and sonic concert, critical theory and pop sensibility, bringing its audience into a liminal space of discovery.
More at https://www.hyenaz.com/critical-magic/.
The styling for Critical Magic was designed by Yeorg Kronnagel (makeup design, styling and accessories) and Juan Chamié at House of EXIT (costumes). Critical Magic was mixed by HYENAZ and Bartłomiej Kuźniak, with high definition mastering by Bartłomiej Kuźniak at studio333. We are grateful to Quecke Autonomous Feminist Community for providing the space to conceive the Spectral Rite performance and record the Critical Magic album. We also want to thank our label SPRINGSTOFF for believing in this project and releasing this album into the world, along with Critical Magic Remixed.