In this work nine recordings featuring performances of John Cage's composition 4’33’’ are played simultaneously, merging with the ambient sonic environment of the installation itself. Composed in 1952 Cage’s score instructs performers not to play throughout three movements that together last 4 minutes and 33 seconds. However, each musician performs and interprets Cage's piece differently some dictated by a stopwatch, others through improvisation and therefore the duration varies according to the individual.
The installation features multiple performances mediated through technology with split screen video and nine speakers delivering separate audio channels for each rendition. Visual counters draw our attention to the time disparity of each performance. The work frames ‘silence’ or Cage’s "absence of intended sounds” within performance environments experienced by audiences over decades shared with that of the contemporary viewers to the installation.
Single channel video, nine channel audio, 7.00 mins, 2022
An arrangement based on duration, intensity, pitch and timbre, Tools is a montage of VHS tape clips and audio samples. An experimental sequence attempting to maintain auditory flow whilst ignoring typical composition or melodic principles.
Single channel video, stereo sound, 1.37 mins, 2018
Tools
Stills from Tools, 2018
