‘Tuning in a Vacuum’ is a 40 minute live performance of seven sonic objects, where materials, space and sound were played out in a politics of negotiation with performers. The movements and sounds that unfolded around each (Multi Headed Hydra, Organ of Organs) were internal to their form and function, with each new performer a different set of relations played out. The objects referenced early instruments, such as the Sussex Trumpet. Similar ancient trumpets have often been found discarded as pairs, suggesting their use in ritual. Duets between paired objects and performers developed into trios, quads and quintets, resulted in intimate and expansive sounds. Textiles and handmade costumes were inspired by the work of local artist Ethel Mairet whose practice involved foraging local plants from the South Downs for natural dyes. The installation’s moving architectural sound sails are informed by the Bauhaus Dessau stage architecture that opens out into the Bauhaus students’ canteen, connecting performative and communal eating spaces. This performance was supported by The Foundation Foundation Emerging Artist Award.
Tuning in a Vacuum was performed by Luke Birch, Claire Godsmark, Emma Lindsay, Claudia Kappenberg and Rita Evans. Movement Advisor Yael Flexer. Live Sound by Suzie Burrows.
Curated by Noelle Collins, Exhibitions & Offsite Curator, Towner Eastbourne.
Supported by The Foundation Foundation Emerging Artist Award.
Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Paired Loops, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Paired Loops, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). The Organ of Organs, 2021. Costume, Onion Skin Sleeves, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Paired Loops, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Paired Loops, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Paired Loops and Multi Headed Hydra, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Paired Loops, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Multi Headed Hydra, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Multi Headed Hydra, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Multi Headed Hydra, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Chaotic Seed, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Chaotic Seed and Multi Headed Hydra, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Chaotic Seed Pool, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Multi Headed Hydra 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Organ of Organs, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Organ of Organs, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Hawthorn Ink & Cherry Wood Attuning Bow, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Hawthorn Ink & Cherry Wood Attuning Bow, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Multi Headed Hydra, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Organ of Organs, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Multi Headed Hydra, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Multi Headed Hydra, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Vacuum, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Vacuum, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Vacuum, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite). Paired Loops, 2021.Tuning in a Vacuum, still from performance documentation (Tom Thistlethwaite), 2021
