Speed, chicks, a bag and a book

one small seed — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:11:53 +0000

Formed in 1997, Chicks on Speed are the dynamic international performance and fine art collaborative, made up of members Alex Murray-Leslie and Melissa Logan. The duo met at the Munich, Germany Academy of Fine Arts and it was here that their unique name was born… Whilst hanging up paintings for a Haus Der Kunst exhibition, the girls worked at such a rapid rate someone jested they work like chicks on speed. And so it began…

image : fashionindie.com

Becoming more renown from the ’2000s, Chicks on Speed formed part of the musical genre – electroclash

This multi-disciplinary art ensemble dabbles in fashion, performance art, fine art, music and film. Chicks on Speed put emphasis on the DIY ethic and over-play it with strong Dadaist punk-inspired notions. Their art ranges from print and fashion to installation, photography and music; it covers a whole range of different styles and mediums but remains unique to Chicks on Speed. Along the way, there have been other members who have joined the two girls.

image: artreview.com

Murray-Leslie and Logan focus on interactivity having recently released a print book-cum-bag of their work, a type of rationale compendium as well as a DIY guide. The self-titled, colourful publication gives you a typical ‘Chicks on Speed’ experience; unlike any other book, its textures and format will keep you busy for ages, not even to mention the content (with a bag and poster as extra). Hand-crafted and a little scrapbook-like, the book is designed by the girls themselves and is divided into periods of their lives, ‘Fake Band,’ ’Pressing the Press,’ and ’Sell Out.’

image: craft-victoria.blogspot.com

Their work, as they deliver it to their audience, is like the press kit you always wish you could receive. Not the press release you receive way too often. Hands-on reading, Chicks on Speed, (Its a Project) is something you have to experience for yourself, as they say:

The Chicks’ studios are the stages, institutes, streets, theatres, shacks & palaces around the world. The High Art has seldom gone so messy & the Low is always high, dressed up or without dress at all, mixed into an audio / visual triggering frenzy of loops & cut up performances, one could ask ‘where are the shackles?’ More questions please, and don’t expect answers now. Come, look, listen, get angry dance & start a disturbance!

image: the new yooxer

Words: Bianca Budricks

Source: chicksonspeed.com

images: artinbase.com, fashionindie.com, artreview.com, craft-victoria.blogspot.com, thenewyooxer.com

Available at The Book Lounge : thebooklounge.com

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Speed, chicks, a bag and a book