NOKO

by Scott Barnes

NOKO is the performative aspect of Barry William Hale’s various lines of esoteric research, involving long standing collaborations, erupting the contents into what is traditionally a fine arts arena. The merging of actual magical ritual work with contemporary experimental sound and visual forms highly original assemblages in a live multi-media format.

This project while varied in associated personnel has produced an extensive and consistent catalogue of residue, documenting the history of work practise since 93.

Although the Enochian Magical system has been a prominent focus, other directions include; A Sonic Magical investigation of the Qlipotic genii, as well as the conjuration of Beelzebub.

Current collaborators include Barry William Hale, long standing member Scott Barnes (sound realization) and the return of Michael Strum (Visualist).

NOKO is a structured improvisational space where sonic texture is a menstruum taking cues from the ritual content – like a fungal mycelium, visible fruiting bodies may occur, and this is where the residue is available to an audience either in a live or recorded format. There is nothing “new” about the format employed by this collaboration, conversely NOKO taps into what can be considered to be some of the oldest traditions regarding the use of the voice, instruments and performance. If we see technology as a continuum then there is total equivalence given to ancillary devices other than voice and percussive sounds generated by the body alone (a literal definition of cybernetics).

A NOKO working is not a definitive form but an example or “instance” of its (re)presentation, like a group performing a standard, there is predefined structure but also interpretation of the work. The group being a kind of lens that will always be varied but can never be transparent or neutral to the content.

Through enacting and addressing the same problems repetitively, style is forged – the phase space of possibility is filled out and made visible a little more at a time. The articulation of NOKO performative space can also accurately be seen as Hale “demonstrating” the development of a particular structural toolset with the backing of his choosing where I am external to the outcomes other than in a formalist or aesthetic sense. I tend to see all forms of creative expression as variation on the same lateral problem solving skillset, whether a painting, writing, programming etc. just as an artist may never tire of a repetitive practice involving life drawing, for me the opportunity to work with Hale and NOKO, is always fresh and exciting.

NOKO 013 SCOTT BARNES

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NOKO

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