What Is Resonance Art?
Art does more than just please our eyes or ears. It can evoke enduring images, memories, and emotions that deeply resonate with us. In the world of sound art, this concept of resonance becomes even more profound.
Resonance Art isn’t a recognized movement per se, but rather an exploration of the immense power of sound. It stretches beyond the boundaries of traditional music, exploring the profound influence sound can have on its surroundings and its ability to elicit mental and emotional reactions.
A striking example of this exploration was an all-sound-art exhibition featuring works from acclaimed artists like Sunn O))), Holly Herndon, TJ Hertz (aka Objekt), and Phurpa. These artists each have unique approaches to creating sound, exploring different dimensions of resonance.
Sunn O))), co-founded by Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson, employs drones, metal, minimalism, and maximalism to create a sonic ecstasy that pushes the boundaries of traditional music. Their compositions are as much about the raw power and beauty of sound pressure as they are about the mysteries of life and cosmos.
Holly Herndon, on the other hand, takes an almost surgical approach to sound, using her laptop as “the most intimate instrument”. She develops custom vocal patches and processes live voices, integrating her online experiences into her unique soundscapes. Her innovative works serve as thought-provoking commentaries on technology and communication.
TJ Hertz, also known as Objekt, brings his background in electronic and information engineering to his music. He uses organic source materials and natural textures to illustrate intricate, photorealistic soundscapes that are simultaneously perplexing and familiar.
Phurpa, led by Alexei Tegin, delves into the ancient, returning to the ritualistic chants of the pre-Buddhist BON tradition of Tibet. Their musical ensemble focuses on the mantra chanting and the transmogrifying “chanting meditation” — a use of the most primordial of instruments, the human voice.
Resonance Art is further explored in “The Art of Resonance” by renowned theatre director Anne Bogart. In her thought-provoking essays, Bogart reflects on the concept of resonance in art, looking at it not just as a sonic phenomenon but as a personal and philosophical idea that permeates art creation.
Resonance Art is a testament to the transformative power of sound — its ability to resonate within us and reverberate beyond us. It’s about using sound to create profound connections and evoke deep-seated emotions, revealing the limitless dimensions of our auditory experience.
Below, you can view several of our artworks that help depict resonance art in a more physical form!