Sound

Is sound a medium or the artwork itself?

Unlike visual arts, sound has a singular power as an art form: it impacts us through invisible waves, penetrating every layer of our bodies until it releases an array of emotions. It's a powerful chain reaction that simply happens.

The dictionary describes the word sound as: "mechanical vibrations transmitted through an elastic medium, traveling in air at a speed of approximately 1,087 feet (331 meters) per second at sea level." But how does something so technical impact us in such profound ways? How do artists create visual art in response to sound?

From the sound art movement, dating back to 1913, to the birth of electronica many decades later, the role of sound as a creative medium has always characterized a highly nuanced field. Scotish artist Susan Phillipsz once said "sound is materially invisible but very visceral and emotive. It can define a space at the same time as it triggers a memory".

For the next few weeks, we will be looking at the inner-relations between sound, arts, music and emotions. Stay tuned!