Sample of Me
Installation, 2011
Larry Achiampong developed an audio-based performance that included a communal listening and participatory event. The event merged Achiampong’s existing research that set out to investigate the audible potentials of personal and non-personal expression with sampling and sound recording devices and processes. This process has led him to observe, sample and re-present audible collages of the sounds of ‘Highlife’, a musical genre from Ghana that predates Jazz music. Achiampong presented and mixed stories containing his own history while focusing on his relationship to the legacy of ‘Highlife’ music and further attempting to weave audio from additional vinyl records that connected with the subject matter. The audience was also invited to participate in this event by presenting samples of themselves via self-presentation and submission of their own audio, preferably on vinyl. Abu Hamdan was brought to SURVIVAL KIT by THE SHOWROOM, a contemporary art space in London that is focused on a collaborative and process-driven approach to production, be that artwork, exhibitions, discussions, publications, knowledge and relationships.
Artist's Bio:
Larry Achiampong is a London-based artist whose work explores perceptions, misconceptions and concepts of identity with regard to his Ghanaian and British heritage. His practice crosses various media including painting, drawing, installation, sound, video and into music and performance events, including (both as creator and performer) “Jam in The Dark” and (as a performer) in “Orchestra Elastique”. Since 2008 Larry Achiampong has also worked on the San Francisco based company, Adobe’s philanthropy program “Adobe Youth Voices”. He also contributes on a weekly basis to the sample-based, audio initiative; weeklybeatsessions.com. Larry Achiampong attained a BA in Mixed Media Fine Art at University Westminster in 2005 and completed an MA in Sculpture at The Slade School of Fine Art in 2008. (The Showroom)