Kal Spelletich and Seamus Davis: American Aria

American Aria is a durational video installation created by multimedia artist Kal Spelletich and filmmaker James (Seamus) Davis in partnership with Oakwood Arts JET Productions, inviting audiences to reflect on the transgressive nature of the January 6, 2021 insurrection on our nation’s capital. As our nation emerges from one of its most consequential presidential elections in modern history, American Aria reflects on surreal and horrifying aspects of that day and calls upon us to remain vigilant in upholding democracy.

Current political rhetoric suggests that the dangers of the insurrection have yet to pass, making this project urgently relevant. American Aria  serves as both a warning and a reflection on the volatile state of American democracy. Its visual and thematic content aligns with ongoing discussions about political accountability, free speech, and the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of rising extremism. American Aria catalyzed a nationwide screening of the project at venues including Oakwood Arts (Richmond, VA); Artists Television Access (San Francisco, CA); and Office Space Gallery (Detroit, Michigan). 

Join us Monday, January 6, 2025 for a screening and conversation on the anniversary of the insurrection. Franklin Furnace’s digital LOFT will host a full durational screening of American Aria—6 hours and 11 minutes—the same length as the actual insurgence on our Capital. A Q&A session with the artists and a special guest will follow the screening.

Kal Spelletich is a San Francisco–based artist known for exploring the intersections of technology, politics, and art. His activist-oriented work critiques power structures and uses art as a tool for political commentary. Known for his pioneering work in robotic and mechanized art, American Aria builds upon his decades-long commitment to using art as a vehicle for social change.

Seamus Davis, an Irish filmmaker and activist, collaborated with Spelletich on the creation of American Aria, overseeing the editing process and reviewing hundreds of hours of source footage to shape the final six-hour-and-eleven-minute film. His deep understanding of narrative and visual storytelling amplifies Spelletich’s vision, highlighting the political and cultural significance of the piece.

American Aria was inspired and informed by Spelletich’s conversations with Emmy-nominated journalist AC Thompson, whose investigations into American fascism for PBS and ProPublica have been crucial in shaping the thematic focus of the work.

This project was generously underwritten by Mike Schewel and facilitated by Oakwood Arts JET Productions. Oakwood Arts is a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit. Supporting creative opportunity for all, Oakwood Arts makes art and careers in creative industries accessible to all through community engagement, inspiring programming, and experiential education. Their programs include classes and workshops that focus on the digital and technical skills students need to succeed in the creative workforce. Oakwood Arts’ Fall semester interns and OA JET members contributed to this project through tasks such as video editing, 3D mock-ups, trailers, marketing design, website design, and planning for events and the online exhibition, while gaining insights into copyright laws and ethical sourcing.

A link to the project’s website, including a short of the full-length durational video and links to upcoming screenings, can be found here: americanaria.com