Music and art have always gone hand in hand, but over the last few decades the line has begun to blur. Artists such as the late John Cage and Stockhausen had experimented with sound since the 1950s, influencing everyone from Warhol to The Beatles. In the modern era, however, it’s DJ culture that is leading the way with its use of sampling and mixing to create new aural experiences.
Through May 4, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla hosts an exhibit expanding on this phenomenon.
“Interact with Soundwaves: The Art of Sampling” combines art and sound and includes thought-provoking pieces ranging from found video montages to abstract line art and more, all with sound as their central theme.
Adding an interactive element to the exhibit, the museum will be hosting a series of three seminars on consecutive Saturdays, giving art and music lovers alike a chance to explore the medium. Limited to 30 participants per session, each will be helmed by noted individuals in the field, including Martin Schmidt of electronic music duo Matmos (Jan. 26), MCASD senior curator Dr. Stephanie Hanor (Feb. 2) and artist Steve Roden (Feb. 9).
The innovative concept will appeal to all ages but is geared toward adults.
“Interactive programs like this are often featured in youth programs, but it’s been a rarity for older museum patrons,” MCASD education curator Gabrielle Bridgeford explained. “In the past, we’ve offered workshops for adults that were info-based, but we found that people wanted something that was more hands-on in which they could actually create art.”
All three sessions are meant to be taken in succession, but accommodations can be made for a single event.
The seminars will cover a broad range of subjects relating to sound art. Taken together they will explore the movement’s beginnings as well as produce new works that will complement the museum’s exhibition. The opening program with Baltimore’s Schmidt will feature an overview of sound art in the 20th and 21st centuries.
“He has a long rep for being on the cutting edge of this movement,” Bridgeford said.
In addition to teaching at The San Francisco Art Institute and lecturing at John Hopkins University, Schmidt’s duo has built a legion of fans through touring and album releases, giving him a well-rounded perspective on not only sound art but an audience’s response to it.
The second session with Hanor will take a look at the exhibition and displays.
“In addition to examining particular pieces, as the exhibition curator she will explain the curatorial process and take a look at how the exhibit has been received so far,” Bridgeford said.
The final seminar featuring Roden, who is known for a diverse range of work, including poetry, video and installations, will teach patrons how to create their own works of art.
“He will lead participants through a range of activities, starting with drawing exercises and kick-start the process of making installations for use outside of these workshops,” Bridgeford said. “This is a unique opportunity to learn how to create sound art from a master in the field.”
Though it’s unlikely most participants will stage their own exhibitions, the knowledge gained from this hands-on experience, as well as the opportunity to take part in an intimate discussion on art with some of this movement’s most respected contributors, is priceless. Whether a longtime fan of sampling, someone who mixes sounds with more tangible art pieces or one who just appreciates the experimental side of music, these three sessions will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore one of pop culture’s most innovative trends.
“Interact with Soundwaves: The Art of Sampling” takes place over three consecutive Saturdays, Jan. 26, Feb. 2 and Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon at The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla, 700 Prospect St.
For more information, visit www.mcasd.org/soundwaves.