Aquarius Records is honored to present the work of acclaimed artist/writer Camden Joy.
Born in California in 1964 and currently residing in Boston, Joy's work can best be described as guerilla journalism. Living in New York between 1995 and 1997, Joy grew inspired by the open-air accessibility of pirate radio and guerrilla theater. In that spirit, he began to paste up opinions and music-related posters on the street. His publication of these posters within a series of small tracts garnered praise in *Spin* and a great many other publications. NPR's Ira Glass lauded him as "one of this country's most original music writers." His prose style earned comparisons to Frank O'Hara, Lester Bangs, and Hunter S. Thompson.
San Francisco Bay Guardian:
"His main goal is (literally) to take rock criticism to the streets like a latter-day Martin Luther."
Joy's years of postings can be sorted into four main sequences:
THE LOST MANIFESTOES OF 1995
THE MACFEST PROTEST OF 1996
THE CMJOY GANG OF 1996
THE SOULED AMERICAN PROJECT OF 1997.
Aquarius Records will display photos of the MacFest, CMJoy Gang, and Souled American projects. These photos, an assortment of color and black & white, were all snapped by Joy with disposable cameras. As well, Aquarius will exhibit the LOST MANIFESTOES and SOULED AMERICAN posters.
Spin:
"A mixture of wild analysis and confused boundaries, Joy's rants exhibit a romantic streak wider than Alanis Morissette's leer. "
Boston Phoenix:
"His moral seriousness - which rarely deflects his sense of humor - ignites his lyric imagery and linguistic virtuosity. "
Minneapolis City Pages:
"Desperate and beautiful, Joy's writing makes you lust for a world of heightened feelings and values beyond the one we live in."
There will be an opening reception for the artist at Aquarius Records on Tuesday, February 2nd from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Aquarius is located at 1055 Valencia Street near 22nd Street. Please call the store at 647 2272 for any further information.
