THE OCCULT ROOTS OF ATAVISM

Banner by A.K. Wilson with graphics by E. Danielsson

Wyrd War invites you to join us on Saturday July 25, 2020 as we celebrate the one year anniversary of our brick and mortar gallery in Portland, Oregon with the unveiling of THE OCCULT ROOTS OF ATAVISM: Ephemera & Iconography from the Metal & Punk Underground.  

Enter the crossroads of weird where American outlaw culture collides with folk horror animism and celluloid marauders join Wotan's wild hunt across the nightside eclipse! 26 black wizards. 58 works of art. 8 countries. Total death. Overwhelming in scope, this exhibit is something of a companion display to the ongoing series I have been publishing here on my blog since 2011 that celebrate the incredible lineage of heavy metal and punk artwork, and the pop culture undercurrents that inform its visual heritage. Part one is here. Part two is here. Part three is here. Part four is coming whenever I have time to sit and write it.

We are modifying our usually packed opening receptions during the pandemic to provide a safer physically-distanced experience. Masks are required to enter the gallery. If you do not have a mask when you arrive (what the hell is wrong with you??), we will provide one for you. We are limiting entrance to five guests at a time. We have tables outside in our private lot with adult refreshments provided for those 21+ by BLOOD SWEAT TEARS Vodka while you wait, and while you take in this amazing collection. Don't break the oath.     

WYRD WAR

3505 NE Broadway Street

Portland, Oregon    

FAREWELL, MAESTRO!

I have been immersing myself in the music of Ennio Morricone all day, but want to slip in at the witching hour to pay my final respects here. It is impossible to fathom the history and progression of cinematic music without considering the almost incomprehensible genius of Ennio Morricone. Music and movies have always been inseparable sources of inspiration for me. As a child in the 70s, his was the first “movie music” that caused me to stand to attention in front of the TV, and remain during the credits to learn his name. In fact, he was the first composer I ever knew by name...and such a strange name it was at the time! As a heavy metal kid in the 80s, his deceptively simple non-linear cadences with acrobatic scales, blaring horns, orgasmic breathy female intonations and wild drum solos erupting all over the place unlocked the gates to jazz and the strange music of Sun Ra, Moondog, Milford Graves and even Current 93. I happened to be revisiting Kenneth Anger’s Lucifer Rising last night when the news of Morricone’s death came to my attention, and, if you know me personally, you know that this was the best possible way to learn that such a prodigious flame had gone out. This is not a tragic moment for me. Morricone lived a long and fulfilling life. The kind of life we should all hope to aspire towards. A life of intention and dignity, guided by discipline and devotion to craft. A life that inspired countless kindred souls to find our own muse, our own source and our own distinctive melody in the cosmic vibration of life. Your flame ignited the world, maestro, and burns on...eternally! Farewell.

Ennio Morricone

November 10, 1928 - July 6, 2020