Celebrating a Decade of Print Editions and Community Bonding by Atmos
In the heart of Brooklyn, the Rule of Thirds played host to a unique gathering, marking both the release of Atmos Volume 10: Afterlife and the fifth anniversary of the organisation. Willow Defebaugh, Editor-in-chief of Atmos, welcomed creatives, scientists, contributors, and members of the Atmos team and BIOME to the event.
The theme of the evening was "nothing ever ends", a concept that inspired the Afterlife issue. The haunting art form reflected this theme beautifully, with prints depicting various ecosystems on display. A lone polar bear in the melting Arctic and an orangutan in a threatened rainforest in Indonesia were among the images that adorned the walls. Otherworldly botanical displays from Mimosa served as the backdrop, artfully reflecting the theme of the event.
The discussion, led by Defebaugh, focused on how the art form reflects the theme of afterlife. Joining her were Tom Johnson and Norihito Ishii, who shared insights on the origins of Butoh. While Norihito Ishii is a contemporary practitioner and promoter of Butoh, his precise yet visceral movement style has earned him recognition within the community. A projection of Johnson's film documenting Japanese Butoh dancers on Oshima island played in the background, with Ishii giving two captivating live performances.
The event also featured a special DJ set by musical artist Oyinda, providing an upbeat contrast to the thought-provoking discussions. A projection of Johnson's film documenting Japanese Butoh dancers on Oshima island played in the background, adding to the atmospheric ambience.
Defebaugh emphasised that the theme was a reminder of the commitment to protecting people and the planet, despite a year of heartbreaking loss and setbacks for future climate progress. The evening concluded with a final toast, with Defebaugh encouraging attendees to see death as an invitation to get really good at living. Catered food and drinks were provided by Rule of Thirds, making for a memorable and inspiring evening.
[1] Norihito Ishii Biography - Butoh Artist, Choreographer, Performer, https://www.norihitoishii.com/ [2] Contemporary Butoh - Norihito Ishii, https://www.contemporarybutoh.com/norihito-ishii/
- The artful backdrop of otherworldly botanical displays from Mimosa, as well as the haunting prints depicting various ecosystems, reflect the event's theme of "nothing ever ends," which also inspired the Afterlife issue of Atmos Magazine.
- Norihito Ishii, a renowned Butoh artist, choreographer, and performer, shared insights on the origins of Butoh during the discussion, spotlighting his precise yet visceral movement style that has garnered him acclaim within the community.
- To provide an upbeat contrast to the thought-provoking discussions, musical artist Oyinda offered a special DJ set, while a projection of Johnson's film documenting Japanese Butoh dancers on Oshima island played in the background, creating an atmospheric ambience throughout the evening.
- As the gathering celebrated both the release of Atmos Volume 10: Afterlife and the fifth anniversary of the organization, it was a reminder of the commitment to protecting people and the planet, even amidst a challenging year marked by heartbreaking loss and setbacks for future climate progress.
