Juraj Kojs: Signals (2014)

..."SIGNALS is enthralling and immersive..." MiamiArtZine

Miami Theater Center Sandbox series commission
February 14-March 1, 2014
Juraj Kojs, concept, direction, performance and music
Kim Yantis, visual collaboration
Carlota Pradera, performance collaboration
Allan Carnevale, sound tech
Claire Jeanine Satin, costume accessories
Amanda Corbin, production manager
Carlos Ochoa, video documentation

Running time: ca. 45 minutes without intermission.

About Signals
What do we hear in the world? How do we hear in the world? Signals, a multimedia work engages hearing and manipulation of various non-verbal signals through sound, movement and tactile experiences. Rooster calls, beeps, alarms, ringtones, video game sounds, computer earcons and other sounds contribute to the creation of a "sonic circus" (Octavio Campos). Through signals, we construct new communication languages and reflect on those passed onto us. The provocative, yet intimate narrative unveils Juraj Kojs's communication histories, blending his Slovakian heritage with cutting-edge technology presence.

Special Thanks:
Octavio Campos, MTC staff, Harold Golen, Carlota Pradera, Kim Yantis, Allan Carnevale, Amanda Corbin, Claire Jeanine Satin, Foundation for Emerging Technologies and Arts and Excel Hand Dryers.

"Juraj Kojs Captivates with Cacophony" MiamiArtZine

"This performance is an innovative and immersive experience, one that serves to pull the viewer away from the habits of everyday life though it a performance made with everyday objects. It is a chance to step out of the ordinary, a moment to leave the predictable thoughts of a typical day and let yourself go with a real, raw reaction.Signals with its irregular thread of chaos and even a beautiful folk piano arrangement, is an opportunity to get in touch with your senses and think outside the box." MiamiArtZine

"...a deeply layered, impressionistic work that allows audience members to chart their own course through the artist's memories. It all adds up to a richly rewarding experience." Artburst Miami/The Miami Herald

George Fishman's Artburst preview on Miami New Times' Cultist blog

About the artist:

Juraj Kojs is a Slovakian composer, performer, multimedia artist, producer, researcher and educator permanently residing in the US. His compositions received awards at Europe—A Sound Panorama, Miami New Times Best Off Award, Eastman Electroacoustic Composition and Performance Competition and the Digital Art Award. Miami New Times described his muscle-powered multimedia Neraissance as "striking and unforgettable." Kojs has received commissions from The Quiet Music Ensemble, Miami Light Project, Deering Estate Chamber Ensemble, Meet the Composer, Harvestworks and Miami Theater Center.  His research articles appeared in journals such as Organized Sound, Digital Creativity, Leonardo Music Journal, Journal of New Music Research and International Journal of Arts and Technology.
Kojs is the director of the Miami-based Foundation for Emerging Technologies and Arts (FETA). He holds a Ph.D. in Composition and Computer Technologies from University of Virginia. Kojs taught at Medialogy Department Aalborg University (Copenhagen, Denmark), Yale University and University of Virginia and Miami International University. Kojs is currently on faculty at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music.