Hip Hop Solarplexus: A Poemsequence is the text component of Coco Gordon’s intermedia project of the same name, featuring a landmarking in a hops field, an installation of photos in a gallery, and a soundscape of the hops field, among other artifacts. This bookwork is as varied as the project itself, containing–among other components–an essay by Arlene Raven; a “poemsequence” in 16 parts intercut with Xeroxed photos of the hops field, vellum overlays, and color photo inserts; a score describing the sounds of the hops field; photocopied collages; and Xeroxes of the hops themselves. The chaotic assortment of elements within the work evokes the commotion of the land she works with and the farmers and workers who interact with it on a daily basis. This commotion for permaculture supporter Gordon, however, represents a certain peace, a dreamlike commingling of nature and humanity outside of hierarchical division.
