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| Linda M. Smith performs Artemisia on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Blur nightclub in Dunedin. |
Chicago composer, singer-songwriter Linda M. Smith and company present “Tragedy to Triumph, the Story of Artemisia,” an original multimedia music performance onetime only at 3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 17 at the Blur, 325 Main St., Dunedin. The newly imagined piece journeys through the life of 17th century Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi.
The story of Artemisia is Smith’s first conceptual piece documented on her third album “Artemisia,” which she debuted a year ago at the Old Town School of Folk Music to a full house. Blending folk with rock, Smith’s music is filled with mystical, earthy overtones and a romantic, soulful sound. A classically-trained pianist, Smith was influenced early on by Carly Simon and Carole King. An affinity for Bruce Cockburn and Richard Thompson prompted her to learn guitar and move into the realm of singer songwriter/story teller.
Inspired by the life of the revolutionary 17th century Italian painter, “Tragedy to Triumph, the Story of Artemisia” explores a woman’s release from tragedy to triumph in her life and in and through her art. The work is an allegory of Smith’s own life in many ways as well.
“Life and the everyday are what drive my music. I try to capture how we as human beings think, feel and react towards obstacles and struggles,” said Smith. “I like to think of my music as part of the chain that encourages all of us to be warriors throughout adversity.”
The performance immerses the audience in a multimedia experience of Artemisia Gentileschi’s work and life. New to the project, art directors Eric Gelehrter and Galina Shevchenko have worked closely with the composer to define the expanded visual element. Blending Artemisia’s work with text, abstraction and more, fresh visuals parallel the marriage of the moody and opulent 17th century life and art of Artemisia with our contemporary aesthetic.
Known as one of the world’s greatest female artists, Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1652) lived a heavily burdened life, which was reflected most in her paintings. Some of her work depicts female characters exacting revenge on male evildoers, a testament to Gentileschi’s own rape and public humiliation.
Considered ahead of her time, Gentileschi’s other paintings portray women in atypical gender roles, showing them as feminine, yet strong individuals. She eventually became the first female painter to achieve recognition in the male-dominated world of post-Renaissance art.
Smith was introduced to Ms. Gentileschi’s life and work through the French film “Artemisia” in 2000. Captivated, Ms. Smith began to research the painter and three years later, began writing her third album through Gentileschi’s lens. In 2004, Smith traveled to Italy to finally view Gentileschi’s paintings which inspired three final songs for this work.
Smith’s singer-songwriter talents stem from a diverse personal background. Linda was a budding classical pianist winning statewide championships before performing at local bars and coffee houses in her early 20s. She then began crafting her own songs and delved into the local music scene, picked up the guitar and has not put it down since.
For information on the Dunedin performance, call 727-210-2743.
For samples of Smith’s work, visit www.lindamsmith.com.
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