Producer Willie Green’s latest project uses a unique software process that converts an image into sound, effectively allowing him to sample select artwork from the gallery’s roster of artists.  After importing images of each painting, print, or drawing, visual qualities of the art are translated into complex audio waveforms that are then manipulated into distinct instrumental sounds, including drums, synths, and more.  Armed with only these avant-garde tones, Green has composed an original album, Press Play, that has been directly created from each work of art and is also a sonic expression of his own interpretation of each piece.  During the exhibition reception on June 21st, the album will be played in its entirety throughout the gallery.

During the remainder of the exhibition, visitors to the gallery will be encouraged to listen to each of the 10 tracks composed in response to the artwork.  Curation of the exhibition will follow the album’s track development, starting with Song 1 in the front gallery.  Near each painting, there will be headphones installed to experience the musical compositions.  Visual artists whose work will be included in the exhibition are Giulia Dall’Olio, Michael Holman, Stephane Joannes, Martine Johanna, Garrett Klein, Matthew Larson, Wouter Nijland, and Laura Sallade.

View the artwork included in the exhibition: here. 

Watch a documentary following Green’s album process on the Gallery’s website.

Paul “Willie Green” Womack is a Brooklyn-based record producer and audio engineer, and a mainstay of the independent Hip-Hop scene. One of the sonic architects of the sub-genre known as “Art-Rap”, Green challenges conventions with his dense sonic landscapes, pounding drums, and innovative sampling techniques. A drummer from a young age and a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Green brings a diverse musical background including jazz, classical, and soul to the dusty looped world of Hip-Hop. As a member of the Audio Engineering Society, Green also strongly promotes audio education, serving as Hip-Hop and R&B Chair of the Convention Committee and a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Willie Green and Massey Klein Gallery would like to extend special thanks to each visual artist involved in Press Play and to AKG and Harman for their generous support in providing headphones for the exhibition.

Massey Klein Gallery is located at 124 Forsyth St. New York, NY 10002.
Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 AM – 6:00PM and Sunday 1:00PM – 6:00PM.

For press inquiries or questions about works available, please contactryan@masseyklein.com or call +1.917.261.4657