From Scratch will open their City Gallery exhibition 555 Moons with an innovative and exciting live sonic performance called Carhorn Hocket, on Saturday 17 November at 12 noon in Te Ngākau Civic Square.

For fifteen boisterous minutes, musicians will use eight cars as instruments by slamming doors, honking horns, and revving engines in a dynamic sharing of rhythm. A unique and celebratory use of the common car, this performance is sure to excite audiences of all ages.

Following Carhorn Hocket, From Scratch founder Philip Dadson and Director of Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery Andrew Clifford will host a walk and talk around the exhibition, unpacking the group’s rich history, influence, and discussing its ongoing relevance. They will be joined by members of From Scratch, who will give voice to the instruments in the exhibition with short demos.

‘We’re excited to open the show with a bang, or rather a honk! From Scratch is known for their energetic sonic playfulness. We can’t wait to bring some of this energy into Te Ngākau Civic Square, especially during Performance Art Week Aotearoa, as part of our celebration of the rich and unique contribution From Scratch has made to New Zealand’s music and art history’, says City Gallery Director Elizabeth Caldwell.

555 Moons will showcase the work of the Auckland-based ensemble. Formed in 1974, From Scratch has performed to acclaim around the world, with its distinctive invented instruments. 555 Moons reveals the range, depth, and development of its work over decades—and its new directions. The title refers to the number of lunar cycles between the group’s formation and the show’s opening.

It features films of the group’s performances, instruments and sonic sculptures, documents, drawings, photos, and live performances—a sensory feast for eyes and ears.

The exhibition is an iteration of the Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery show 546 Moons.

555 Moons will include a number of further live performances at City Gallery, starting in February 2019. A full schedule will be available on our events page.