1.1 Icon: Laurie Anderson

Laurie Anderson (1947) is an American artist who creates music, performances, films, illustrations and installations. In 1969 she performed her first performance-art piece, a symphony played on automobile horns. In 1981 she became well known outside the art world in the 80s with her hit ‘O Superman’.  She is a pioneer in electronic music and invented several experimental musical instruments, like the tape-bow violin, talking stick and voice filters.

I find her work very inspiring because she is a cultural chronicler, a storyteller and an activist, who –often literally in her work- asks questions on personal and societal issues. She is compassionate about what’s happening in the world around us, and always explores new ideas and experiences. 

Her work is entertaining and fun and can also create awareness. One example: in 2015 she created the piece ‘Habeas Corpus’, a performance that introduces the telepresence of a former Guantánamo detainee, who is not allowed to enter the US. While he was actually staying in Africa and being 3D video recorded in a studio, his appearance was projected onto a huge statue in New York City during a musical performance.