Art

Extensionism Origins Volume 0 - Genesis and the future

Hi friends, this has been an extended silent period, but only on the surface. Under the hood, lots going on, but we will get to that in another entry.

My identity, the one that has identified itself as myself is that of a creator - I have been crafting works, in multiple mediums, exhibited at galleries, film festivals & microcinemas for years, and with this windy trail, I’ve always held a staunch focus on ownership. In the last few months, I’ve been thinking of what to do with works that have not found homes or were never intended to find homes. Art is many times an act of nothingness from nothingness, a commitment to the now, by extension, a nonexistent future. When we sober up from the trance, we occasionally think of what now occupies my thoughts.

Keeping my works in a vault is an act of unnecessary attachment, even if demand does not exist. They need a chance to breathe on their own, an untethering if you will. My process has always been forward-oriented so things get forgotten, left in an attic once the wheels start turning again. This is not fair to that which is a consciousness of its own. With newfound clarity, I believe these works desire new homes and at the least, a chance to find independence in semi-permanency.

While I work on the new material, I am releasing some of these spontaneous or archived pieces to make their way onto the internet, locked on-chain. This gives me an opportunity to connect, and also keep my process going.

I have several projects that will go live in the coming months. But first, some 2D art from a collection titled Extensionism Origins Volume 0. There is one genesis piece that was put up as an NFT months prior titled MIKASA 2021, just to test the system. I had no idea what, and if I would pursue this space, full of reservations & equally deep in another project.

I know the arguments against NFTs (& crypto in general) but they do not hold up in my opinion. Not after my own personal alpha/beta involvement, skin in the game & witnessing the joy of community & fun. There are plenty of negatives, of course, they just do not outweigh the positives at this time. We live in a world swallowed by controlling megacorps, but for these few months now, the dream of an alternative has blossomed. A dream is good enough for me. The return of fanzines, access & possibilities.

While the OG genesis piece MIKASA 2021 sits as a 1/1, I will start releasing new drops before the other media goes live. These will not be 1/1’s, but a low edition number with low prices. I want people to access them if they desire, & profits feedback into the lab. For one, I have a feature film that is in post that needs additional funds for finishing. I have a record in post that will benefit from additional funds for finishing, and that is how it goes when you own your work. Fundraising never stops.

My hope is of course that the works are supported & I know that I would have to prove that value in time, but, ultimately, it is a process of letting go. It’s a difficult step to take, shooting as it were into the void. Ultimately, the release signifies a movement away from the past, a rebirth.

With that said, below is <\> ~ = duplicate extensionism, an edition of 5 as an NFT.

why so quiet....

a) new feature-length film (“y.a.t.w.t.d”) about to enter post prod
b) secret something else that I’ve had to remain silent on
c) 2021 NFT collection….a very small handful….this was the first piece uploaded (Mikasa 2021) to learn, was not yet avail but the NFT super artist Ali Sabet found it, made a bid & encouraged me to go forth…so, I will make exceptions for a collector with the right bid before the rest of the small 2021 collection goes live.

Mikasa 2021 - NFT edition Edition 1/1 Open to Bids ( .844 ETH for bid consideration ) Exclusive Limited Collection for 2021….a handful of originals only.

Mikasa 2021 - NFT edition
Edition 1/1
Open to Bids ( .844 ETH for bid consideration )
Exclusive Limited Collection for 2021….a handful of originals only.

"three eleven zazen" now available as a standalone audio track

The release of my latest work “three eleven or (a meditation on stillness inside chaos)” includes a single track 33min 11sec composition titled “three eleven zazen” that is now available as a standalone purchase.

You can pick it up now for $5 USD on the ANIMALS Bandcamp. I think it’s best to experience the film first, but I cannot dictate my preferences in the digi space. Do as you wish my friend.

This marks the first time I’ve used my full name on a commercial music release.

The film is below. The soundtrack is below that (just click the image).

Wishing you health in 2020 and a message to support your artists.

Not much to add to the current discussions except to wish you & your family health and well-being.

As most artists are currently not working & client load is zero, please consider buying directly from artists if possible.

Some sites to consider for more direct purchasing include Vimeo On Demand for films, Bandcamp for music, and of course, personal websites, yours included.

Wishing you well and talk soon.

As a further note, if for example, I cannot process an order immediately (photo or art print), I will get it to you as soon as possible, and appreciate the patience.

Wishing you well, and enjoy some photos from a new series below (any avail to purchase, just let me know. haven’t yet decided the print number or size yet, but they will be limited prints).

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l i t t l e m o n s t e r s l i t t l e f r i e n d s - limited prints & original avail

“l i t t l e m o n s t e r s l i t t l e f r i e n d s”
Print run - Edition of 44 in various solid hues. (13”x19” - high-quality archival paper)
Original in black & white ink.
Message for info/purchasing.

l i t t l e m o n s t e r s l i t t l e f r i e n d s - 2019

l i t t l e m o n s t e r s l i t t l e f r i e n d s - 2019

A meta episode in the vein of Seinfeld, not much happens - Things w/ Amir Motlagh Ep 13

This is all meta and in the vein of Seinfeld; nothing happens, and all bundled with 99% less laughs. Anyways, as I had feared before I revamped this, that bottlenecks would thwart my consistency. And, yes, they have. So, while I have been perpetually aiming at making these better, or rather, more value oriented & better researched, that has not happened. Will it, who knows? To be honest, it is what it will be.

Though, I do like to talk freely like this, so, maybe I’ll just keep at it. The volume has been increased as my friend Jonathan implored me to bump the gain knob. I noticed that I was mixing it at a volume that film dialogue would be at, and that is probably to low for the web.

What happens in these 7 minutes? A quick chat about the last couple weeks, the weather is spectacular and why you should read ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE by Robert Pirsig.

As always, come say hello and subscribe if you’re feeling generous, if not for these, but for all the other more important stuff.

With love,
am

THREE WORLDS Reviewed by Premier Arthouse Cinema Site PINNLAND EMPIRE

When you make art & you put it out into the world, it becomes a vulnerable time if you haven’t done the necessary work to detach. Essentially, equanimity is the only barrier between this raw period and the world. I seldom read or look at reviews, but this one was a bit different because I felt the reviewer got it (the essence), for lack of a better term, and that connection is wonderful.

So, when you got a moment, check out this THREE WORLDS review from the stellar arthouse cinema site, PINNLAND EMPIRE.

Amir Motlagh dispels some of the superficial stigmas put on Los Angeles while at the same time embraces the very real superficialities associated with L.A. (outside of Los Angeles being the epicenter of the entertainment industry, it’s a very cool city unlike any other if you know the right people).

And putting all Mekas/Malick comparisons aside, this is very much Motlagh’s own film. The movie is filled with obvious autobiographical content that comes off as genuine & organic as opposed to pretentious. That’s not an easy task with a film like this (ambient, sprawling, artistic and sometimes chaotic). A young filmmaker could easily get self-absorbed & pretentious with a movie like Three Worlds but that’s not the case here.

This will definitely require a second (or third) viewing. And that’s a good thing. This isn’t something to fully digest in one sitting.
— Marcus Pinn

The feature film MAN is officially live!!!!

Here it is! The second of three releases of the THREE MARKS, TOO MANY SIGNALS series. Only available on Vimeo On Demand (worldwide) over the weekend, then Amazon Prime (US/UK), and then the rest of the digital platforms.

I wouldn't tell you how to watch it, but I do think a solitary experience heightens the effect, preferably with some headphones. 

The film is experimental in the structural sense, so, come with open eyes and let it unfold at its pace. 

$2 bucks to rent. $7 to buy. A steal! 

Enjoy luv. 

(ps: If you were part of the IndieGoGo campaign, we got cheat codes :) )

Zebras in America Podcast Episode 54 with filmmaker Amir Motlagh

Was interviewed on the Zebras in America podcast with host Marcus Pinn (Pinnland Empire) and Scott Thorough. We discussed a range of topics, with the focus being my two latest 2018 films, Three Worlds + MAN.  

Come listen in to Marcus Pinn of Pinnland Empire describe Three Worlds "like jazz".

Filmmaker and musician Amir Motlagh comes through to have an insightful conversation about techmology, music, access, and singularity. He has two films slated to be released this year. Scott quotes Lil B. Favorite rapper lists are made. Friendships are formed. We read an email. Hot takes are made. Peep his work- https://www.amirmotlagh.com/ Follow Amir on Friendster or twitter @amirmotlagh Email us at ZebrasPod@gmail.com Tweet us at @ZebrasPod Scott is doing a charity walk https://www.theovernight.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=25411 Survey https://goo.gl/forms/tFjRm4p0aHFHds1h2

Three Worlds - Mother's Day Surprise!

Happy Mother's Day! This is a surprise clip from the upcoming feature film, THREE WORLDS. Sign up for the mailing list on the sidebar to be the first to know our next screening/release schedule. Look out for our trailer coming shortly.

Synopsis 

Three Worlds (2018) is a psychological science fiction drama that explores the three lives, or 'worlds,' of a man who undergoes an experiment that triggers haunting memories and alternate life 'memories.

Cast / Crew

Written & Directed by Amir Motlagh
Produced by ANIMALS, Amir Motlagh, Charles Borg
Director of Photography: Amir Motlagh

Cast:

Amir Motlagh                 Saam Heidari
Samantha Robinson     Ashley Evans
Rey Deegan                   Charles Adler
Keaton Shyler               Danica Mihajlović
Gregory Linington        Thomas Blaumberg

Editing:  Bryan Tuck,  Amir Motlagh
Original Score by:  Julian DW Brink

Sound Designer & Re-Recording Mixer: Stephen Holliger

Media Quotes

“It’s always exciting whenever a distinct new voice makes itself heard on the indie landscape. Amir Motlagh is such a voice.

honest and soulful.. ”

— Adam Schartoff FILMWAX RADIO

““These unique experiences are made even more exceptional for their Iranian-American perspective.” 

...the experience of both films (MAN + Three Worlds) is one that any film connoisseur must have. To sit with an awareness of the film, and, an awareness of how you are watching it, is a surreal act that can only be described as “art.” Motlagh’s work is definitely a piece of art in the medium of film.”

— Jonita Davis THE IRANIAN

“there is without a doubt a definitive boldness to “Three Worlds”, both in its tone and aspirations, and it will certainly require viewers to lean in a little closer, which is never a bad thing…..a curious and fascinating watch.”

— David Fowlie KEEPING IT REEL

Three Worlds - Rooftop Sequence
Amir Motlagh as Saam. Samantha Robinson as Ashley
Gregory Linington and Amir Motlagh
Three Worlds - Suburbs of California
Keaton Shyler as Danica
Samantha Robinson as Ashley Evans 2
Hollywood Lake Amir Motlagh Keaton Shyler

MAN & THREE WORLDS AN AMIR MOTLAGH DOUBLE FEATURE PREVIEW SCREENING presented by Chicago Filmmakers

The THREE MARKS, TOO MANY SIGNALS series of works gets a double feature screening of MAN & THREE WORLDS, presented by Chicago Filmmakers. The presentation starts at 6pm, Saturday, April 21st. 

The box office is open, so we would love to see you there. I am planning on attending (schedule permitting) but my producing partner & co-writer on MAN, Charles Borg will be present. If you are press, or know anyone who would be interested in writing about the event, or needs screeners, please reach out. 

This has been a long time coming, but we wish to come to other cities. If you are interested in booking the films, please reach out. Whether it be film festivals, one-off events, microcinemas, arthouse theaters or gallery spaces (etc), we are open and excited to hear from you. We want to bring this to you in a way that feels organic and connected.

I'll be updating as the date nears. Thank you all for the years of support. 💚

 

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