Upload Imagination with Ex Wiish & Laser Days Studio

“Entanglements” is a selection from a performance between artist and 29 Speedway founder Ben Shirken [a.k.a. Ex Wiish] and real-time rendering, worldbuilding studio Laser Days. The selected work combines live stream diffusion AI, modular synthesis, Max MSP, and laser projection, creating a system for live improvisatory performance. Initially intended as a 45-minute live set, the work utilizes generativity and randomness as the impetus for a controlled abstraction. Focussed on the entanglements between analog and digital machines, the work becomes a method of communication.

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Ex Wiish is the project of Ben Shirken, a sound artist and composer based in New York City, founder of record label/performance series 29 Speedway, and producer of rough jazz sextet Nu Jazz. Shirken’s practice is often collage-based, involving work with Max MSP, modular synths, and chamber instruments to compose generatively based yet composed works. His debut record “Shards of Axel” was released in 2023 on Anthony Naples’ Incienso Records, and he has performed and curated at spaces such as Pioneer Works, WSA, New Museum, Dripping Music And Arts Festival, Rhizome, NYC Winter Jazz Fest, Public Records, Cafe Oto, Trauma Bar, Hyperreality Festival and Nowadays. His music has been featured in Dazed, Resident Advisor, DJ Mag, Clot Mag, The Line Of Best Fit, Office Magazine, and Vice.

Laser Days is a real-time rendering, worldbuilding studio co-founded by Jack Wedge and Will Freudenheim. We build worlds, stories, and characters using game engines and animation. Their work is multifaceted, crossing over many different storytelling mediums, ranging from narrative short films and commercials to music videos and live performances. They have designed live animated performances for the Long Beach Opera, Dripping Music Festival, as well as a hybrid animated puppet show in collaboration with Poncili Creación and Pioneer Works. They have also worked with artists, brands, and companies such as Perfume Genius, A. G. Cook, Coi Leray, James Blake, John Glacier, Megan Thee Stallion, Issam Harris, King Gizzard, Jordan Raf, Arthur, Kodak Black, Beshken, Adult Swim Smalls, Off The Air, MTV, Sprite, YZY Gap, Superplastic.