Lucien Rizos

Musicians at Work (2010)

56 min 29 secSingle channel / Digital Video / Colour / Sound

Filmed on streets, alleyways and amongst shopping districts across New Zealand, Musicians at Work captures a dozen street musicians looking to earn a dollar from passing pedestrians. Some of the performers ply their trade with the confidence and skill of virtuosos, while others are hesitant and unsure of themselves. The youngest are two pre-teen guitarists on Auckland’s Queen St, who play heavy metal covers. An older man in Dunedin sits beside his mobility scooter and performs classic folk tunes on violin. A flamenco guitarist launches into an impassioned and accomplished solo performance whilst sitting in front of a bank.

Rizos’ portraits capture not only the musicians but the aura they generate; a teenage drummer performs a furious solo while his teenage friends look on, sharing a cigarette. Some passers-by stop to listen, to give money, or to express their thanks and delight. Others sit nearby and pretend not to notice, perhaps to avoid paying.

Performances by

Piano Accordion - Queen Street, Auckland
Guitar - Queen Street, Auckland
Drum Kits - Manners Mall, Wellington
Electric Guitar and Bass - Queen Street, Auckland
Er Hu - Lambton Quay, Wellington
Guitar/Vocal - Manners Mall, Wellington
Guitar - Queen Street, Auckland
Drum Kit - Queen Street, Auckland
Violin - Lane off George Street, Dunedin
Violin - George Street, Dunedin
Guitar/Vocal - Queen Street, Auckland

Other works by Lucien Rizos

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