In art and life I am fascinated by the impact of music on people’s emotional, physical and mental state. Previously I have explored the connections between my own reactions with various songs seeing how the music changes the colours, materials and mark making of the paintings. Often I use my body to mark surfaces directly to establish a more authentic and direct expression of how the songs affect me. Through the duration of the residency I will aim to explore the effects of various types of music has on individuals as well as large groups of people possibly discovering new ways to experience music and how it can be used to alter emotional and mental states.
Research has shown how music can be used as therapy to calm minds, alter moods and even trigger memories. Sounds also have the ability to trigger physical responses such as Goosebumps and increased heart rates due to a phenomenon called frisson. Triggers include sudden changes in melody, unexpected solos and changes in volume/intensity. I am fascinated by how it can take on such powerful roles and wish to look further into how this happens by creating artwork about my personal experiences as well as connecting with other artists and people on an international level to gain further insight.
Music takes on many forms and purposes. I am particularly interested in how music can be used as therapy whether intentional or not, and a way of connecting people in small or large capacities. Music can be an interpersonal and intimate experience or can be shared amongst many as creating a sense of solitude, community, celebration and/or release. For example how someone experiences intense electronic music can be mesmerising or entrancing whilst another may find it stressful and frustrating. I am interested to see how similar or different each of these cases would translate visually potentially leading to an understanding of how people experience music.
I will use my time in the residency to explore human connections with music and its wider influences in more depth. Berlin is a city full of life, music and cultural diversity making it a prime place to explore this theme. Whilst in Berlin I will have the opportunity to be exposed to music in many forms, genres and different setting allowing me to thoroughly explore my concept.
