So, I'm sitting in Sacramento International Airport right now, waiting for my flight, enjoying free wi-fi. I was reading articles from the New York Times, attempting to catch myself up with the world, since the whole week I had been confined to my little bubble world of studying for finals, eating, and sleeping.
So, anyways, I came upon this particular article titled, "Canvas? Paint? No, Just Sound," and was very intrigued by what I read. Susan Philipsz is the winner of this year's Turner Prize, which is generally given to a British artist under 50 years of age, thought to push the boundaries and definitions of "art." Philipsz prize-winning work was music, as you can tell from the title of the article. All it is, is an empty, white room with three speakers and some benches. Her voice sings an old Scottish song.
According to the article, many people do not know how to react after hearing her work. Others say that they do not feel very connected to her work because of thier surroundings being so stark and plain. They feel that her song can only truly be appreciated when in the right setting, like on the beach where it was recorded.
But, I think that the perspective from which these commentators are approaching her work is what is keeping them from appreciating her music. I think that Philipsz purposely chose to leave the room empty and unadorned because she wants the audience to focus just on the music, on her voice. It's not about where they are, it's about what they are listening to. The music should be what takes them through an experience. Reading this really reminded me of John Cage and his view of music.
I would love to experience her work myself someday.
Photo Credit:
The Telegraph
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