The marriage of sound and image has been a longstanding fixture in the realm of electronic music, shaping both its auditory and visual landscapes. From the iconic smiley face symbolizing acid house's heyday to the immersive audio-visual experiences of today, the fusion of these sensory elements has become a defining feature of the genre. It is within this intersection that the Sound/Image 2023 Festival at the University of Greenwich, London is set to unfold from 9-12 November 2023.
This eagerly anticipated festival serves as a convergence point for artists and experts delving into the interplay between sounds and images, and the ways in which sounds themselves can construct visual narratives. The event coincides with the launch of the 'Shared Hub for Immersive Future Technologies' and a new publication, Art of Sound: Creativity in Film Sound and Electroacoustic Music. Emphasizing the theme of 'Creativity Shared', the festival beckons submissions that explore the profound impact of creative processes and their ability to forge innovative connections with the world in new ways. Through an engaging program of talks, screenings, orchestral concerts, and workshops, the festival seeks to provoke discourse, spark contemplation, and foster diverse perspectives.
Soul Seeking - a live audio-visual improv session by homegrown artists Vaibhav Batra and Anandit Sachdev will also be showcased at the festival. This 45-minute spectacle, which unites turntables and a modular synthesizer, aims to 'synthesize and highlight the contrasting elements of fixity and freedom present in sonic media'. The performance, curated by WIP Labs at Kunzum Theatre, Delhi with live projections by Atreyo Roy and camera assistance by Shreyans is a fascinating record of the artists' exploration of the limits and liberation found in the world of electronic sound. Anandit will also be presenting his research paper on sonic thresholds at the conference.
As the Sound/Image 2023 Festival at Greenwich begins, it unites visionaries and scholars in a celebration of the intricate interplay between sounds and images, revealing the compelling narratives that emerge when sounds take on a visual identity of their own. The festival promises a dive into the audio-visual stimulators of our consciousness that often leave a profound imprint on us, on the dance floor.
To attend the conference online and learn more about the festival, follow them here and watch the Soul Seeking improv session by Anandit & Vaibhav below.
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