Haroon Mirza - Pathology in Three Parts

Haroon Mirza’s presentation for Liverpool Biennial 2021 comprises two elements: a video work, Pathology in Three Parts (2021) and a new choral performance The Three /\/\/’s (2021).

The Three /\/\/’s (2021) explores social gatherings and ritual and is informed by the Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio – a mathematical phenomenon visible throughout nature and often applied in classical art. This ongoing performance featuring Liverpool based singers will not invite an audience while restrictions apply, and will instead be documented, with the resulting footage forming the central element of the new three-part video work. In collaboration with Mirza, Jennifer John has led the ensemble of composers and performers, made up of Anne Taft, Emma Bispham, Jennifer John, Steve Boyland and Tayo Aluko in order to evolve the vocal interpretations of the ritual.

Pathology in Three Parts (2021) follows Mirza’s “modular opera” structure, and features two scenes or “acts” from a previous iteration, Construction of an Act (2019), either side of this new performative element. As new acts join the repertoire, the narrative, based around a shaman who uses her voice to heal, unfolds exploring ideas of sound, medicine and mystical experience. Both works ask us to consider the sociological and physiological properties of the human voice, and explores Mirza's interest in systems of belief, waveforms and patterns of movement.

Pathology in Three Parts (2021), features on Mirza’s new album released in digital format on the TAKUROKU label as part of a collaboration with Café OTO on 21 May 2021.

Featuring material commissioned by the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art for the Melbourne International Festival (2019).

Pathology in Three Parts (2021) vocal performance by Sarah-Jane Lewis.

The Three /\/\/’s (2021) features performances by Anne Taft, Emma Bispham, Jennifer John, Steve Boyland and Tayo Aluko.

Commissioned by Liverpool Biennial, with support from Open Culture.