Swimming Cities of Switchback Seas lands in Beacon, August 23 24

Brooklyn-based artist SWOON is leading a flotilla of seven structures boats down the Hudson from Troy down around Manhattan and up to Queens. Known as the Swimming Cities of Switchback Seas, this flotilla is part of her upcoming exhibit at Deitch Studios in Queens, SWOON has amassed a collaborative team to pilot the vessels and hold performances at points along the journey.

On this project SWOON collaborates with playwright Lisa D'Amour whose
performance draws up the many possible narratives and myths that might
surround the vessels, the crew and the journey. SWOON also teams up with
circus composer Sxip Shirey, Kinetic Steam Works from San Francisco, the band
Dark Dark Dark (accordian, cello, upright bass, banjo) and Hudson river
advocacy groups as the boats float down the river.

UPDATE:

The performance at Beacon Point is now scheduled for 8pm on Sunday, August 24 (originally publicized as Aug 23). This particular performance in Beacon, NY is presented in partnership with Dia:Beacon and Scenic Hudson.

Other dates still on tap: Aug 20 - Saugerties, Aug 21 - Kingston, Aug 27 - Croton on Hudson, Aug 28 - Nyack. This whole passage will culminate on the evening of Sept. 7 with an opening reception at Deitch Studios at 4-40 44th Drive, Long Island City.

The flotilla consisting of vessels created using reclaimed and recycled materials, and powered with alternative sources of energy. This current project is preceded by a similar adventure in 2006 when SWOON and the Miss Rockaway Armada pushed off with the intent of floating down the length of the Mississippi River. On March 2, 2007, SWOON gave a talk at MoMA discussing her work and her experience with the Miss Rockaway Armada. Downloadable audio is available from MoMA's website.(scroll down about 3/4 of the way for SWOON's talk)