As Dead & Company’s Las Vegas residency resumes this Memorial Day weekend, with dates set to take the group into mid-July, stunning visuals continue to define the Sphere experience, with the group finding new ways to present the legendary music of the Grateful Dead even after nearly 60 years. Drummer Mickey Hart’s artwork has appeared not only on the exterior of the Sphere itself but it’s also incorporated within the group’s specially-crafted Sphere live sets. Employing a Pythagorean monochord and a subwoofer, Hart utilizes vibration to bring out incredible visuals via carefully-curated paint color schemes, a unique process dubbed vibrational expressionism. Rhythm remains at the heart of everything he does, influencing both his music and art, a characteristic on full display as Hart presents his paintings during “Art at the Edge of Magic,” a free, interactive exhibit set to run through the residency as part of the Venetian’s “Dead Forever Experience.”
“Dead Forever” features 22,000 square feet dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the Grateful Dead, with Hart taking part in the design of “Art at the Edge of Magic,” which features a black light immersion driven by a powerful combination of images and sounds as well as transformative work from his latest series “Roadmaps to Higher Consciousness.” Hart’s work will also be displayed at Animazing Gallery within the Venetian Resort’s Grand Canal Shoppes during the Sphere run. “The Sphere is almost like your living room in a way,” Hart explained. “It’s very small. 17 or 18,000 seats and everybody is right on top of you. They can really see you. And you can really see them. If the visual doesn’t overpower it, you’re able to find that magic when they come together.
During an interview, Mickey Hart discussed the vibrational expressionism involved in his art, the importance of rhythm in both his music and artwork, and the transformative power of his latest series “Roadmaps to Higher Consciousness.” Hart explained that he discovered painting by accident and fell in love with it as a means of self-expression. Vibrational expressionism, a process where he uses vibration to create paintings, reflects his background in the world of vibrations. The latest series “Roadmaps to Higher Consciousness” aims to transform consciousness and encourage viewers to explore deeper elements within the paintings.
Hart also shared his thoughts on the Sphere residency and the challenges of playing in a venue designed specifically for audio and visual components. He discussed the intimate nature of the space compared to larger venues and the need to balance the visuals with the music. Hart highlighted the importance of pushing boundaries and finding new ways to present music, even for songs that are well-known. He emphasized the transformative nature of art and music as an escape to another reality, allowing for self-expression and exploration of deeper meanings. Hart expressed his passion for artistic expression and the joy he finds in creating both music and art.
The Sphere residency offers a unique experience for fans to witness the fusion of music and art, with Mickey Hart’s vibrational expressionism adding an extra layer of depth to the visual aspect of Dead & Company’s performances. The immersive nature of the venue, combined with Hart’s innovative approach to painting, creates a multi-sensory experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional live shows. As the residency continues, Hart remains committed to exploring new ways to engage with audiences and provide a fresh perspective on the Grateful Dead’s iconic music. With his artistry and rhythm at the forefront, Hart’s contributions to the Sphere experience showcase the enduring creativity and innovation of the legendary musician.
