Cory Arcangel
Hail Mary in Stavanger Cathedral
Hail Mary by Cory Arcangel, 2022–
American microblogging and social networking service (Twitter), the artist's software, American microblogging and social networking service (Twitter), artist software, carillon(s), and carillonneur(s).
Thursdays 6.30 PM
The composition is performed by Tore Bols
Duration: varying
Hail Mary is a composition for concert carillon that was created every day by a Twitter bot. Stavanger Cathedral has one oldest concert carillon in the Nordic countries from 1922. With its 49 bells in four octaves, it is also one of Norway's largest carillons. Carillons have no religious function in principle, and can be found in town halls, churches or universities in Western Europe and North America. Historically, carillons had an important role in the public sphere, by announcing the time and other events to citizens – a similar function that social media can be argued to have today. Carillons were automated as early as the Middle Ages and played pre-programmed melodies using a large drum with wooden pegs in it – a kind of large-format music box.
The title Hail Mary is inspired by a pass in American football; a long throw towards the end zone in the last second of the game with a low probability of scoring. The expression is also used as a metaphor for a risky action when defeat is certain, but one hopes for a miracle. The desperation in the pass can perhaps be compared to publishing in opinion-driven internet channels such as Twitter/X. A statement is thrown out in the hope that one of the many “on the field” will catch it and respond.
The work is performed by carillonneur Tore Bols every Thursday at 6:30 PM in Stavanger Cathedral and is best experienced at Domkirkeplassen. The work will not be played on national holidays.
Courtesy of the artist and Arcangel Surfware. https://hail-mary.world/
Bildekreditering: Cory Arcangel, Hail Mary, (2022–). American microblogging and social networking service (Twitter), artist software, carillon(s), and carillonneur(s). Courtesy the artist and Arcangel Surfware.
The work is performed by carillonneur Tore Bols every Thursday at 6:30 PM in Stavanger Cathedral and is best experienced at Domkirkeplassen.
Hail Mary is part of the exhibition Cory Arcangel - Family Office and is presented in collaboration with Stavanger Cathedral.
