June 2024

Anatomy of a Jerk


Album artwork

Artwork for Liliane Chlela’s fifth release ‘Anatomy of a Jerk’ out on Infinite Machine.

About the project: 

Liliane Chlela’s ‘Anatomy of A Jerk’ reflects on sonic storytelling, experimenting with the compositional frameworks under which it operates. The Beirut-born producer, dj and performer stands at the forefront of the independent electronic music scene in Lebanon, with a reputation for shattering expectations with her live auditory soundscapes, exploring improvisation and the manipulation of sounds from wide-ranging musical genres. Her fifth record (and first on Infinite Machine) steers further into such territory, warping manic synth patterns into percussive motifs, cutting abruptly in and out of poignant melodic interludes. Chlela’s sonic narratives begin, repeat, break apart, disappear and fold into themselves, encouraging contemplation of the compositional elements–the anatomies–that constitute them.









Each track is a meticulous excursion–a melange of varied constituents carefully and uncannily arranged, sometimes coalescing, often deliberately breaking away from the song’s anticipated structure to bring forth unexpected moments of beauty. The first arrangement, ‘Bison’, is exemplary of this, where high intensity metallic stomps, clangs and stabs form a rhythm that is frequently interrupted and broken apart, sometimes by evasive melodies that tease the listener before fading.

‘Bza2’ and ‘Friendly Fire’ move further into the discomfort of unanticipated moments and interruptions. In each, haunting strings and synth-pad melodies start and stop, floating and pausing over jitters and stutters of mechanical percussion. Other tracks move further into the atmospheric, creating dramatic, theatrical soundscapes. ‘Third Fraud’ leans into this approach, where string progressions and cinematic drums tell a story that is less affronting.

Like previous works of Chlela, these eight compositions reach into a difficult space that is only rewarded with careful attention, patience and openness. The arrangements are invigorated by the distinct nature of the compositional fragments; seemingly divergent patches, sounds and rhythms are paired across an eccentric timeline, providing ample opportunities for listeners to relish in the sudden jerk of the unforeseen.
May 2024

The “Little Backpocket
Guide To” Series


Publication


The “Little Backpocket Guide To” is a series of portable booklets researched, written, and published by The Love Tank CIC.

Each guide sees a collaboration with a researcher/writer and an illustrator; including: Fetish Doodles, Lynne Zakhour, and flatb0y.

Fonts in use are Newake by Indieground Design Studio and American Typewriter by ITC.






December 2023

Origin of Life


Window installation


‘Origin of Life’ is a window installation by ceramicist and metalworker Nuhad Haffar-Orsini as part of DesignTO Festival.

Fonts in use Friz Quadrata (Designer: Ernst Friz Foundry: ITC), New Diane Script by Paul Bergès, and  Suisse Int'l Bold (Designer: Ian Party Foundry: Swiss Typefaces)


About the project: 

Depths & Beginnings: In the ocean’s abyss, the absence of sunlight gives way to an extraordinary phenomenon. Structures emerge out of the silt & sand of the seabed, releasing molten hot magma which collides with freezing seawater. This creates a chemical interaction that can nurture a thriving ecosystem, and it’s fascinated scientists because it’s redefined our understanding of the requirements of life.

Hydrothermal vents, believed to be the cradle of primordial life, inspired Nuhad to create shapes that reflect their underwater origins but evolve into something new. Using ceramics and metal  — materials known for their resiliency and longevity, she combines ceramic hand building techniques with TIG welding to form a new landscape.

‘Origin of Life’ is a testament to the notion that life’s most vital building blocks form under immense pressure, reflecting Nuhad’s personal experiences with motherhood and migration.



SEPTEMBER 2023

Book your HPV vaccine today!


Creative direction & design


Ontario-wide poster campaign paying tribute to vintage XXX & subversive flicks.

Client @gaymenssexualhealthalliance
Photography @pjamnicky Fonts in use Exposure by @federicoparrabarrios on 205tf and Monte Cristo Pro by Canada Type

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world and affects gay, bi, and queer guys in higher numbers. To learn more about HPV and vaccination - including where to get the shots in Ontario, visit gmsh.ca/hpv

AUGUST 2023

Queers Beyond Borders


Creative direction & design


New work for Queers Beyond Borders: your friendly guide to moving into & across cities in Europe. Available in multi-languages ✌🏽

Animation @noahjdent
Screen printing @vinosangre
Research & words @arivdnarboli @hikingwhilebrown @dadbod_momjeans @thelovetankcic

Where can I go see queer exhibitions and discover LGBTQ+ artists? Where can I get PEP/PrEP? How can I get access to hormone therapy if I’m trans or non-binary? Where can I access chemsex support / mental health support for refugees and asylum seekers? Can I pay my rent in cash if I’m undocumented / a sex worker / etc.?

queersbeyondborders.info