3 September 2024
Kahlil Crawford and Mariette Papić collaborate on a visionary exploration of art and music
ØRGΛN C1TY emerges as an impressive publication at the crossroads of urban futurism and artistic expression. This avant-garde art book is the brainchild of Kahlil Crawford, an essayist and theorist renowned for his explorations of subculture and existential futurism, and Mariette Papić, an illustrator whose work captures the beauty and chaos of imagined worlds.
Originally conceived as a webzine in 2020, ØRGΛN C1TY has evolved into a profound narrative that envisions a cityscape where nature's laws reign supreme. This creative odyssey delves into the concept of "metarhythm”, transcending conventional artistic boundaries to present a future where diversity in rhythm and culture leads to a shared sense of belonging and expression.
The visual language of the book, crafted meticulously by Papić, transports readers to a dystopian yet alluring metropolis—an ecosystem where art and nature collide in unexpected harmony. Each page of ØRGΛN C1TY invites readers to explore the chaotic beauty of this imagined city, where every stroke of illustration echoes the pulse of underground dance music.
Musically, the book is a tribute to the unconventional. From the frenetic beats of UK jungle and drum 'n' bass to the soulful undercurrents of Detroit techno and Chicago house, ØRGΛN C1TY captures the essence of genres that serve as both aural escapes and catalysts for creative thought. The sonic landscape of the book also embraces the experimental edges of broken beat, acid jazz, trip-hop and be-bop, genres that Crawford and Papić weave together to create a multisensory experience that is as much felt as it is read.
Designed by Amanda Acevedo, the book is more than a mere collection of art and words; it is a manifesto for those who dare to imagine a future driven by creativity. ØRGΛN C1TY challenges its audience to break free from the confines of the present, using art and music as vehicles for transformation and transcendence.
Kahlil Crawford is a poet, essayist and theorist whose work delves into the avant-garde realms of art, music, and design, transcending traditional notions of rhythm to explore the concept of metarhythm. Drawing inspiration from the rich legacies of classic jazz and be-bop, Crawford's writing is deeply influenced by the pulsating energy of drum ’n bass and the futuristic soundscapes of Detroit techno, positioning his work at the intersection of existential thought and cultural innovation.
Available through Blurb Books and Google Play, ØRGΛN C1TY is a must-have for lovers of visual art and electronic music, offering a new lens through which to view the interplay between the two.
