Qiujiang Levi Lu (卢秋江): Metanoia

Friday, February 21st at 8pm, ISSUE is pleased to present Metanoia, a work-in-progress solo performance at 22 Boerum Pl. by 2025 Artist-In-Residence Qiujiang Levi Lu (卢秋江). Using geophone sensors, a customized in-mouth speaker, feedback, body drumming, choreographed movements, and interactive light installations, the piece amplifies and externalizes what is otherwise unseen and unheard in the internal body.

Through the powerful, haptic low frequencies, the audience shares in the performer’s embodied experience. In 2024, Lu presented an earlier iteration of Metanoia, for One Augmented Body as part of the Open Studios series at CPR – Center for Performance Research in Brooklyn. Lu amplified their internal body; muscle stretches, joint cracks, bone-conducted vibrations, and body movement building upon ancient Chinese drumming traditions all became audible in the performance space. Sexuality, spirituality, and mortality—linking sound, movement, and violence in divine ceremony—are the focal points of Lu’s residency throughout the course of the year.

***Please be advised: Metanoia explores sensitive topics such as body dysmorphia and self-harm. This performance will include the use of amplified low frequencies.***

Qiujiang Levi Lu (卢秋江) is a NYC-based performance artist, improviser, composer, and educator. Their work transforms the body into a sonic object through interactions with movements and audio technology exploring identity, sound, and space. Lu designs customized feedback systems with cyborg-like body augmentations inspired by Objectophilia/animism. These include special microphones, speakers placed within bodily orifices, and an augmented amplified laptop. Lu is the second-prize winner of The International Electronic Music Competition 2023. Their works have been featured at international festivals and venues such as MATA Festival, High Zero Festival, IRCAM Forum, SEAMUS conference, E-Flux, and NIME conference. Lu has also been an artist-in-residence at Elektronmusikstudion EMS Stockholm SE. Lu is currently a lecturer in the Department of Music at the University of Pennsylvania.