Photo courtesy of Audika records
Pioneering NYC cellist and electronic musician, Arthur Russell, is the subject of a new exhibition opening today at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Do What I Want: The Experimental World of Arthur Russell is on view until May 14, and marks the first time the general public has had access to the late musician's archives, which were acquired by the New York Public Library last year.Do What I Want features previously-unheard recordings from Russell's personal working tapes, as well as selections from his notes, photos, scores, and test pressings. It will also include screenings of Russell's 1988 video collaboration with Phill Niblock, Terrace Of Unintelligibility, and the 2008 documentary about him, Wild Combination.BAM will host a live musical tribute on April 22 featuring some of Russell's friends and collaborators, including Mustafa Ahmed, Ernie Brooks, Peter Gordon, Bill Ruyle, and Peter Zummo. The label behind many of Russell's posthumous releases, Audika Records, has also put together a streamable playlist of the artist's music to compliment the exhibition.BAM will host Do What I Want's opening reception next Wednesday, March 8, featuring a DJ set by non-profit art space White Columns' director and chief curator Matthew Higgs.Follow Alexander on Twitter.