Drumming Exhibition – Sound, Solo, Dance
On 21 June 2024, Local Edition hosted a groundbreaking drumming exhibition by Chloe Kim, showcasing her innovative works and artistic explorations. With the aim of pushing the boundaries of her solo performances, Chloe presented three new compositions that captivated the audience with their depth and creativity.
The program included:
-
Field Recordings (2023–2024) – A 7-minute artistic exploration asking, "Without consistent and attentive listening practices, can we truly embody the essence of musicianship?"
-
Solo Drumming with Assistance – A 20-minute performance demonstrating Chloe's ongoing evolution as a solo artist, featuring the intricate rhythms and textures she’s known for.
-
Collaborative Duo Performance – A 30-minute performance featuring dancer Cassidy McDermott-Smith, asking the question: "In a domain where our movements' speed and direction intimately shape our artistry, how can dancers and drummers afford not to collaborate?"
The event highlighted Chloe's ability to blend drumming with other artistic disciplines, creating a unique fusion of sound and movement.
About Chloe Kim
Chloe Kim (Yeajee Kim, MMus Performance Research) is an acclaimed Australian drummer known for her innovative approach to improvisation. Having performed at iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Museum of Contemporary Art, Chloe is celebrated for her solo performances and collaborations with prominent musicians. In 2023, she performed 100 hours of solo drumming at the MONA FOMA festival and contributed a live score to the documentary The Independents. With multiple solo albums and notable awards, Chloe is a leading figure in contemporary drumming and music education, lecturing at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
About Cassidy McDermott-Smith
Cassidy McDermott-Smith is a dancer, choreographer, and educator based on Gadigal country. With a background in classical ballet and modern dance, Cassidy has worked with renowned artists and performed in works by Ohad Naharin, Crystal Pite, and Azure Barton. Passionate about dissolving boundaries in dance, Cassidy’s work blends improvisation, storytelling, and physical expression.
This exhibition was a stunning showcase of how drumming and dance can intersect to create a powerful and immersive artistic experience.