The Getty Center will offer a daylong program filled with music, workshops and demonstrations focused on the album at the heart of “Ever Present: ‘Mother Earth’s Plantasia’” on Sept. 7.
“Ever Present,” a new series at the Getty Center which incorporates art and performances amid permanent collections, has teamed up with Brooklyn-based record label Sacred Bones and worldwide curiosities guide Atlas Obscura to explore the plant-centric cultural movement behind Mort Garson’s 1976 album, “Mother Earth’s Plantasia.”
Originally recorded in Los Angeles and newly reissued by Sacred Bones, “Mother Earth’s Plantasia” includes such songs as “Symphony for a Spider Plant” and “A Mellow Mood for Maidenhair.” The album’s cult status grew over the years due to its rarity, as it was only distributed to customers at the Mother Earth Plant Boutique, then located on Melrose Avenue.
The album will be playing in the Getty’s Central Garden throughout the day. Appearing on the museum’s courtyard stage will be a lineup of electronic experimenters performing their take on music for plants, including New York-based Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe, who’s known for composing with plant-based biodata; ambient guitarist Noveller; Florist’s Emily A. Sprague; Lucky Dragons; and Gregg Kowalsky – all within a custom stage installation by artist-run florist Hand & Rose.
Additional programming includes presentations by Lyra Kilston, author of “Sun Seekers: The Cure of California” on L.A.’s early vegetarian evangelists, and film writer Kier-La Janisse speaking on the 1970s horror genre’s preoccupation with plant life. Also on hand will be Los Angeles green thumb Mickey Hargitay of Mickey Hargitay Plants, who will host succulent care and macramé workshops; a demonstration of “Kirlian,” or plant aura photography by artist Jacqueline Caste; garden-inspired cocktails; and more.
Admission is free. For information, visit getty.edu/everpresent.
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