Performances and Interventions Inspired by Medieval European Astronomy and Astrology

Jordi (courtesy of the artist)

Every summer, the Getty Center has given free rein to a lineup of artists to transform the museum’s architecture, gardens, and exhibitions as part of its long-running Friday Flights performance series. In the past, the museum courtyard might turn into a fashion runway or the central garden into a light and sound installation, while live music might take place alongside artist talks, film screenings, and performance art. No longer restricted to summertime, Ever Present is the latest iteration of The Getty’s interdisciplinary programming, this time focused on ephemeral performances and artistic networks.

This Saturday, a group of artists will stage performances and interventions inspired by The Wondrous Cosmos in Medieval Manuscripts, the museum’s exhibition about medieval European astronomy and astrology. On the garden terrace, A.S.T.R.A.L.O.R.A.C.L.E.S, an itinerant artist group that performs psychic readings and healing rituals, will arrange ceremonial objects, scents, and elixirs to channel the multiverse and serve as a backdrop to the live devotional music of ambient singer and composer Ana Roxanne. Nearby in the museum courtyard, a series of graphic scores, based on constellations and arranged by artist Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs, will be performed by an ensemble of vocalists and flutists. Also in the lineup are a collaborative performance by artists Jennifer Moon and laub that blends planetary light shows, fantasy, and self-help philosophies; the healing powers of artist and Afrofuturist Jordi; and a live performance by musician and practicing Vedic astrologer Angel Deradoorian.