THE VOLUPTUOUS HORROR OF KAREN BLACK

FOR
IMMEDIATE
RELEASE


THE VOLUPTUOUS HORROR OF
KAREN BLACK

February 23 - 24, 2006
18 Wooster Street
DEITCH PROJECTS

Deitch Projects is pleased to present the Legendary
Voluptuous Horror Of Karen Black with their new show
The Sound of Magic. The performance will take place at
Deitch Projects’ 18 Wooster Street gallery on February
23rd and 24th at 9pm. Filled with classic rock, punk
energy, and the group's signature and memorable visual
language, The Sound of Magic will be performed in
tandem with the release of the new limited edition vinyl
picture LP by the same name and promises to be one of
the groups most ambitious works to date.
The Voluptuous Horror Of Karen Black is the brainchild of
artist and performer Kembra Pfahler, whose do-it-yourself
ideals have shaped both the band's sound and their
iconic visual style, and from whose solo performance
work and 'Super 8' films the group organically formed.
The band originally was in fact initially conceived in an
effort to soundtrack these early performances in a
manner befitting their highly theatric nature.
One part high fashion glamour, one part cult horror film
archetypes, this group has etched itself deeply into the
New York underground, all the while continuing to follow
Kembra’s rules of anti-naturalism and “availablism” to
push them forward. Using only what is on hand, the
group is able to create complex and compelling
performances filled with low-tech props and minimalist
costumes. The brightly painted girls of 'Karen Black'
complete the equation, walking into the performance with
confidence in their stiletto boots, high contrast black and
white costumes, blackened teeth, and two foot tall fright
wigs; aware that they are the most visually stunning and
alarming creatures present.
With this latest performance and album the group is
making a move towards what Pfalher terms “Precognitive
Folklore,” prophesizing a new mythology before it’s own
creation.
The project has been a chance to reunite with old friends,
such as original 'Karen Black' member and guitar
impresario Samoa, as well as renowned vaudeville
magician and bass player Adam Cardon, Jawbreaker’s
Adam Pfahler, Dave Weston on guitar, and the ever
transgressive girls of Karen Black. The project also
brings new collaborations with Antony (of Antony and the
Johnsons), and the one and only Debbie Harry.
In addition to the performance the members of 'Karen
Black' will be installing a fine arts Kasbah where
audience members will be able to acquire one-of- a-kind
“Voluptuous Horror Of Karen Black” paraphernalia,
including the new album The Sound of Magic, made
especially for the two night event.

Come see the glamour, come see the horror. Stilettos
are naturally encouraged.