The Diffracted Symphony: Sébastien Léon's Pioneertown Sound Sculpture Is A Funereal Mass For The Biological State Of The World

In 2017, the founders of Case Gallery ventured through Pioneertown and purchased a few hundred acres of expansive desert land with breathtaking views of the bouldered hillside and mountain ranges where they planned to create an oasis for artists to display their works of art. The first artist to contribute in initiating this vision is Sébastien Léon. His sculpture The Diffracted Symphony, inspired by the rib cage of a whale washed ashore, was originally conceived as a sound sculpture playing an altered version of Verdi's Requiem, turned into a funeral mass for the biological state of the world. Léon pleads for us to recognize that the challenge of our time is for humanity to understand its power for both destruction and preservation, and our urgent need to act as the caretakers of the Earth's balance.

Commissioned by Nancy A. Nasher & David J Heamisegger Family, with the Dallas Symphony
Contributors: Stephen Dewey (Sound Design and Composition), Jason Francesco Heath, Ph.D. (Composition), Fife Metal Works (Fabrication)

Madre Mezcal Launches Desert Water @ The Red Dog Saloon In Pioneertown

Out in the arid, martian landscape of Pioneertown lies the Red Dog Saloon, an oasis brimming with live music and refreshing new libations. On July 10, guests braved the warm temperatures for an afternoon of activities and activations including Latinx With Plants, a nursery aimed at community and healing through plants, indigo dyed t-shirts from Jungmaven, Madre themed tattoos from The LA River Tattoo Co., tarot card readings from Quinn Castro, and herbal apothecary products from Grateful Desert. MADRE DESERT WATER offered guests the opportunity to make donations in support of The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, RAICES, who fight on the national frontlines for the right of all people to seek a safe and secure future for their families. 

Live music from Steven Smithie graced Pioneertown at dusk. Late night DJ sets inside the Red Dog Saloon included Que.Madre from Chulita Vinyl Club and Reverberation Radio. photographs by Clifford Usher