Power Animal Systems at Center for Digital Art

Power Animal Systems begin their performance inside CDA on October 25, 2013 (photo by Audrey Nefores)

Power Animal Systems is a multimedia performance ensemble known for a unique show that blends video installation, photography, projection, and experimental audio with a cast of animal-headed humanoid creatures from another dimension. Donning sporty Spandex uniforms and anthropomorphic headpieces, the Power Animals enact “species-queer” alien rituals that – although other-wordly in origin – maintain an eerie semblance to a number of familiar human power structures: species, gender, sexuality, religion, hierarchy, etc.

still from Power Animal Systems video
“Please Assist Us in Transmission”

Special guest from this dimension, Neil Young Cloaca (Northampton audio/video wizard and member of Fat Worm of Error) will introduce the Power Animals with a performance of his own.

This event arrives Friday, October 25th at 8PM. It is free and open to the public, though these visitors have traveled from very far so please bring a donation if you can! $5-8 suggested.

Created by Albany-based visual artist, musician and teacher Jason Martin, Power Animal Systems has performed regularly in New York City (and all over the East Coast) throughout the last decade and has enjoyed numerous collaborations with a number of NYC-based artists and performers, including rapper Mykki Blanco and even Lady Gaga – who invited the group to join her on her 2013 tour (the Born This Way Ball), though ultimately cancelled due to a hip injury.

Power Animal Systems balances between down and dirty pop-up performance and ritualistic, elegant dance piece. Drawing comparisons to this vulnerable, hypnotic and highly original performance piece is difficult, but try to imagine Kenneth Anger directing an episode of “Thundercats” and you just might come close.