This work by Ari-Pekka Leinonen and Dan Allon (aka Bad Research) is a site-specific multi-disciplinary performance. The work evokes questions regarding the nature of artistic research, the relationship between war and humor, and interweaving the history of conflicts with the history of rock music.
This episode, the 5th they created, consists of a rock opera, alongside with a musical release entitles "ROKKENROLLERS – Unpracticed knowledge," and multi-layer video works, some stand for video-clips for the songs. All material was created under a disguise of a multitude of characters, mainly those of two obscured generals who came to Brugges to overcome a trauma through making music. The performance, video, and album, which all to be featured on a unique website, combine the history of rock and war, which was initially contradictive, in a hilarious dialog.
The exhibition would suggest three ways to experience the episode:
• A live performance, including psychotherapy sessions, and a concert of the song, accompanied by the animation videos.
• A listening room for an in-depth listening experience of the rock opera.
• A "Bad Research" library, in which the spectators can go through the story on the website. In addition, a small numbered edition of the album for sale.
ROKKENROLLERS featuring
Proxy Muzak
Rolling and Stoned
Hummus Sexuals
The Waving Sideburns
The Kiss Singers
Eggy Poop
Cream Kingdom
Jimmy Schmendrix
Radio Floyd
Frank & Shappa
The Cutting Heads