Genken Montgomery

In 1989, Genken Montgomery founded Generator, the first sound art gallery in New York City. He continues to produce concerts and recordings of his work and other sound artists.

“In the process of defining my work I have been involved in creating projects and events which bring people together to produce sounds and/or focus on the experience of listening. I've become increasingly appreciative of the enduring impression of experiences that arise out of transitory moments. Sound is a great form of transportation. I like to create situations which encourage listening and haphazardness, while contemplating that haphazardness doesn't exist.

Recently I have been enhancing the pre-existing sounds of objects whose primary function is seemingly unrelated to the sounds they produce. (an ice crushing machine, a film projector, a laminator, a coffee machine etc.) In a social context I hope to shift perception, open windows to new experiences, provoke never-heard-before dialogs and celebrate the conscious expereince of listening. I confront limitations by utilizing them. Performances are often made in total darkness or amongst the public, but rarely on a stage. In pursuit of a spontaneous creative idea I strive to overcome the fear of producing something stupid or boring.”