Sonic Performance Archive: the use of gesture, technology and text in creating sound art

Abstract

This research attempts to deepen a discussion of performance in practical and conceptual terms, within an artistic field that is commonly described as sound art. This practice has its origins and crosses a history of music, visual arts, literature and theatre; in which its presentation (from museums to concert halls) reflects a diversity of artistic objects, in which its common denominator is the focus of sound as material medium. This focus engages with philosophical questions in terms of reception and materiality, engaging with strategies and specific questions within the aforementioned histories and practices. In this sense, it becomes possible to discuss the existence of sculptures, installations ou sonic interventions made for specific spaces and contexts. The idea of sonic performance is another possible practice that this project seeks to describe, through the creation of an online archive. This platform, and in a first phase, focuses on the selection of a group of artists and their approach to the notion of performance and sound art. After this process, this online platform is opened to other artists to submit their work in this field.