Illusive Echoes by Zlatko Ćosić

Abstract explorations of light and sound.



Illusive Echoes (10:00)   [VIDEO]
Illusive Echoes (8.1 octophonic version, 10:00, 2023)   [VIDEO]



Cinematography and editing: Zlatko Ćosić
Music: Brad Decker
Production assistant: Rachel Ćosić



EXHIBITIONS & SCREENINGS

:: MOXsonic, Missouri Experimental Sonic Arts Festival, with sound performance of Sudden Death by Brad Decker, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, March 9, 2019
:: St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, St. Louis, USA, July 12-21, 2019
:: SWIC, Arts & Humanities Theater, Belleville, IL, October 17, 2019
:: Performing Media Festival, with sound performance by Brad Decker, Indiana University, South Bend, Indiana, February 20, 2020
:: Off the Screen!, Ann Arbor Film Festival, Momentum, a selection of video art by Zlatko Ćosić, Ann Arbor, Michigan, March 25, 2020
:: ALC Videoart Festival, Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante, Alicante, Spain, August 31-September 4, 2021
:: Audiovisual Frontiers, University of California Riverside, USA, November 20, 2021
:: VideoBardo, Festival Internacional de Videopoesía, Buenos Aires, Argentina, November 25 - December 3, 2021
:: ARKIPEL, Jakarta International Documentary and Experimental Film Festival, Jakarta, Indonesia, November 28 - December 6, 2021
:: Audiovisual Frontiers, University of California Riverside, USA, 2021-2022
:: Napoleon Electronic Media Festival, Doudna Fine Arts Center, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL, February 2, 2023

About Sudden Death composition

Unfortunately, this piece began as a meditative contemplation of the spontaneity of death. It seems to be an inescapable part of our current society, and, rather than be pessimistic, I suppose it’s best to focus on the value of what we have in the moment. For some of us, remaining optimistic is a daily fight.

This is a pensive work about inner thoughts, dread, joy, doubt, inspiration – thoughts that emerge when you zone out amongst daily events. It is a testimonial for the value of these thoughts – the zoning out – and the lack of their existence in our waking life.

“Sudden Death” has taken many forms. Today, it is presented as a work for contrabass and computer with video interpretation by artist Zlatko Ćosić. It initially began as a fixed media piece in 2011, and 2015. I seem to revive the project each time I’m struck with grief for the suddenly dead. Fixed audio is still present. It is now paired with live processing, namely the capturing of double bass harmonics to create ghastly harmonies that float through the piece. The pitch material is derived from Henry Purcell’s “When I am Laid In Earth” aria from Dido and Aeneas, and is quasi-improvisational. The score suggests the plainchant style of delivery, and should be performed in a pensive and reverent manner.

Brad Decker