When Russian film pioneer Sergei Eisenstein penned the seminal A Dialectic Approach to Film Form in 1929, his zealous claims stretched far beyond the 1:33 aspect ratio.
“For art is always CONFLICT,” the pithy polemic shouts. “It is art’s task to make manifest the contradictions of Being. To form equitable views by stirring up contradictions within the spectator’s mind, and to forge accurate intellectual concepts from the dynamic clash of opposing passions.”
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Dynamic clash? Opposing passions? Outside of a Harlequin poolside paperback, such frisson might be hard to find in these dog days of summer. Supplying respite from triple-digit torpor, St. Lou Fringe has partnered with Downtown STL, Inc, to launch “Artist Salon”—an unprecedented pop-up spectacle the eve of Sunday, June 19. Pitching itself as an “immersive multi-disciplinary independent arts experience,” the Salon brings artists of clashing backgrounds together to stir up mischief and magic before roving onlookers. In accordance with classic Fringe ethos (and a dialectical spirit that would make Eisenstein smile, if sternly), “The artists, working in conflicting media, have been intentionally paired, and many will be meeting for the first time; a perfect storm of inspiration and collaboration.”
In keeping with such strategic spontaneity, the details for Salon patrons remain purposefully clandestine (according to Fringe, “the location of the journey is not disclosed until tickets are purchased”). What we do know is that it all starts downtown at 7 p.m., at 812 Olive, a venue “carefully selected to act as an accurate backdrop to the current social, political, and economic landscape of St. Louis’s urban center.”
Curious yet? You should be.
“Oftentimes, patrons only get to see the product of an extensive creative process—like only seeing the tip of an iceberg,” says Fringe high priestess Em Piro. “This event gives audiences a window into what possibilities unfurl and ideas explode when artists are challenged creatively—and ideally invites audiences into their own world of idea-sharing as well.”
President & CEO of Downtown STL, Inc., Missy Kelley, echoes Piro’s gusto. “This event is an amazing opportunity to showcase the innovative creativity of Downtown St. Louis. It’s an exact reflection of what happens when people come together, work together, and dream together. “
Slashing ticket prices in half (in a fashion friendly to even the most strident proletariat), the Artist Salon is now only 10 dollars to attend. Even more enticing, given that Sunday is the annual holiday for every proud (and meek) patriarch? The event is free—yes, free—for “any dads, ‘daddies,’ or people dressed like dads if they come to the Artist Salon with a ticketed patron.” I personally expect no small number of male hipsters with homemade harnesses. (Sidenote: positive DNA paternity tests do not grant free admission.)
What would Sergei say about this STL Father’s Day fête? My own dad doesn’t know the difference between a montage and a moonpie, but no matter the paternal disposition, you ought to bring yours around for this Sunday’s downtown adventure.
The Artist Salon happens 7–9pm on Sunday, June 19, at 812 Olive. Tickets can be purchased here.
