PROJECT DESCRIPTION

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Construction of an atmosphere in three stages.

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From a performance to an art vessel-rest in the urban melody

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Introduction   /  Inspiration

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The starting point of my research revolves around the hectic reality of human lives today. Designing a space with artistic context serves to briefly interrupt the rapid rhythm of people who mark their routes daily inside the city network - workers, students, partners, etc.

 

Constant connectivity to digital platforms, networks and applications creates a new dual identity for the citizen, as a user of both the physical urban environment and the virtual space that is accessible through different electronic devices. In both, relationships are being formed, communication is made possible, information is being sought for and provided. As this new, fluctuating reality is being constructed, people often feel overwhelmed, worn-out and find it hard to keep up with the demands of this modern day lifestyle at all times. 

 

I am fascinated by the effect that performative and/or affective spaces and audiovisual installations have on the psychosynthesis of human beings, unique for each and every one of us. I decided to use that element for the design of the "spreading" of the project throughout several spots in piblic spaces in the urban landscape of Berlin, preferably at a location such as at a busy U-Bahn station. My goal is for each space that hosts FUGA to become a completely soundproof “cold-spot” (WiFi-proof), blocking signal and sound coming from the outside. Nothing of its outer form gives away its internal atmosphere. Its programme is formed through the procedure I will elaborate on in the following paragraph. 

 

 

 

 

Creating an Atmosphere  /  FUGA A TRE VOCI

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The first part of my project regards the composition of a sound piece using fugal form as the main element of the atmosphere , and took place at Studio 58 in Neukölln, on the 21st of June, 2019.

 

A fugue is a contrapuntal compositional technique with three voices in my case, built on a musical theme that is called “subject” and is introduced at the beginning in imitation (repetition at different pitches) and which recurs frequently in the course of the composition. As a singer/performer and pianist, it is crucial for me to produce the audiovisual atmosphere based on my sound piece, using my own voice and my physical presence as a reoccuring element that presented fragments of the subject at random moments throughout the performance. The sound piece was enhanced by light effects, programmed to coordinate with it. Large, white curtains that pre-existed in the space, acted as projection surfaces which at the same time separated the space clearly. The visitors were able to navigate through the studio, encountering the different spots from where fragments of the subject, the answer and the countersubjects were being played. The challenging part of the complete set up was to manage to create a “path” that would lead the visitor to the aforementioned areas, in order for them to understand the structure of the piece and experience the atmosphere linearly, without giving any explicit instructions or adding too many physical elements that would limit the space. 

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Designing the vessel  /  Expanding FUGA

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The second part of my work will be to figure out the project’s formula that would allow it to “occupy” random public spaces on a larger scale. The people will encounter different forms of FUGA in different spaces, spread out along the urban network, such as metro stations, abandoned stores or construction sites, etc. The design of the formula will be based on the technical equipment needed for the sound and light elements the original set-up consisted of. Its different versions might include movable elements, different levels and constructions that will guide the visitor through a ritual, and make it possible for the live performance to be heard, seen and felt. Sound coming from different spots, along with the light effects, will contribute to the complete formation of the audiovisual atmosphere. A small device will block the WiFi signal at each setting-Cold Spot, inviting the visitor to fully engage with the affective atmosphere.  

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Spreading FUGA  /  Post Performance

 

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The third and final part of the project concerns the placing of FUGA at the aforementioned spots. I aim to investigate the ways in which the transformation of each setting will be done so, to serve the project in the best way possible. My ambition is for the FUGA ambience to remain as true to its self as possible, serving as a parallel universe that people can enter and temporarily alter the speed of their daily routine for as long as they choose to experience it. My absolute wish is the collaboration with other vocalists, who will possibly want to be a part of the project, and perform their own improvisation at each FUGA spot. The design characteristics that will help make the space adjustable might include: easy-to-move surfaces that separate or unite the spaces, appropriate lighting conditions, sound-blocking surfaces, etc.  A network of FUGAs will be spread out in the urban environment, marking spots of alternative ambiences and possibly disrupting the course of our daily paths in the city.