New Energy Encounter Group

A loose-knit assembly of forward thinkers, shape-meditators, and visual troubadors, the (West Coast) Encounter Group is just one regional arm of the larger New Energy Movement. In the Los Angeles there are about two dozen Energyites of varying degrees of commitment, including musicians and movement actors who perform sporadically as the Encounter Group (or New Energy Encounter Group, or Far West New Energy Family Band). A recent gathering at a spatial installation designed by Francois Perrin to disentangle architectures invisible elements: space, ambiance, atmosphere and how people experience them, drew a large crowd of curious young people. The enthusiastic audience joined the Groups eight members by sitting around the stage on circular cushions and participating in group meditations on the four seasons. Group member Paulus designed topical tunics and robes for each member representing either a season or a weather pattern. Through movement exercises, image projections, and audio experimentation, the Encounter Group has brought the New Energy concept to such venues as Compact Space Gallery, Barnsdall Art Park, Mandarin Gallery, and Materials and Applications, as well as hosting a moving New Energy Workshop on various beaches, hillsides, and picnic areas. Upcoming appearances include a film presentation and rock n roll session in conjunction with artist Marie Jaeger at the Orange County Biennial. The New Energy movement isnt confined to Southern California. In San Francisco our colleagues the Whale Folk are easily recognizable by their dark hoods and yellow emblems. Further north in the Redwoods, one may witness the raga-style drones and circular movements of the Growth Ring. And in New York, a mysterious entourage known as The Space Folk have split off from their whale-admiring brethren and headed east. Reports of orgiastic dancing and psychic interference at a recent performance by art student-favorites Blood Blister at a Brooklyn loft were witnessed by Energyite Brother Michael. "The Lacoste-wearing set pride themselves on making lots of noise with their computers and guitars, but they were completely unnerved by the cacophony of movement demonstrated by the Space Folk in their black unitards painted with bright planet shapes," he described. "It was an extraordinary scene.".......................I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4