Kinesthesia: Exploring the Intersection of Music and Visual Art
ISA Art Gallery presents Kinesthesia, an exhibition that is part of the Art Jakarta Gardens 2023 event. The show will take place from February 7th to February 12th, 2023 and features a diverse array of artists and mediums curated to match different genres of music that change every two days. Each genre element, such as the tone and medium, is showcased through each work.
Music stimulates the auditory senses. The human sensory nervous system is all connected through the human brain, for example, the visual mind, to perceive and give responses. Some people can see shapes while listening to music, a phenomenon known as synesthesia[1]. Different types of music can influence the appearance of these shapes in mind, depending on the person's emotions and the music's chord progression, rhythm, and tempo. The opposite can also happen, where individuals with chromesthesia perceive music when viewing visual objects or flashes of color[2].
In contrast, kinesthesia itself is the ability to sense the motion of a joint or limb. Painting and music are art forms our senses perceive and could trigger our movement. Can we feel our movement while looking at and listening to visual art and music? The Kinesthesia exhibition explores how different forms of music can influence the appearance of artwork and how visual art and music can trigger movement through synesthesia and chromesthesia. The exhibition presents the visual representation of various genres and subgenres of music, including pop, shoegaze, and folk.
Popular music, also known as pop music, is a broad genre encompassing various sub-genres. It is easily recognizable and catchy to listeners due to its simple structure, easy-to-sing rhythmic elements, and relatable lyrics. Despite its simplicity, pop music has unique characteristics and appeals to many audiences. Like pop music, the works of Luh Gede, Yogi Ginanjar, and Ardi Gunawan depict objects such as cartoon characters, toys, and other illustrations inspired by popular culture. They use vibrant color combinations that match the energetic melodies of pop rock and K-pop music. Their works also share the characteristic consistency often found in pop music. Similarly, Eko Nugroho and Agus Suwage have a distinct style in their artworks with mundane objects that we can find anywhere.
Pop music relies heavily on technical aspects, mainly its sub-genres such as synth-pop and space-age pop. Advances in recording technology have expanded the variety of possibilities for musicians to explore in their music production. This is also evident in the visual works of artists like Aurora Arrazi, Galih Adika, and Sabiq Hibatulbaqi, who constantly push the boundaries of their artistic process by experimenting with new techniques and materials.
The advancements in technology have enabled musicians to explore new technical possibilities in their music and changed the way audiences listen to it. Instead of solely focusing on melody or rhythm, listeners can now pay attention to the sonic textures in the music[3]. Dream pop and shoegaze utilize sound composition to create a hazy and ambiguous atmosphere.
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[1] Seashore, Carl E. (1938) The Psychology of Music XVI Color Music. Sage Publications, Inc. on behalf of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. p.26.
[1] Rojek, Chris (2011). Pop music, pop culture. Polity. p. 2–3.
[1] Bogdanov, Vladimir (2001). All Music Guide to Electronica: The Definitive Guide to Electronic Music (4th edition). Backbeat Books.
They add various effects, such as echo and sound distortion [1]. The main difference between the two sub-genres lies in the ambiance they produce. Dream pop creates a dream-like sound with vague instrumentation, distorted melodies, and vocals that blend into the instrumental mix, resulting in a soft and ethereal sound [2]. On the other hand, Shoegaze has a more robust sound texture with many distortion effects and feedback arrangements [3].
Dream pop and shoegaze music share similarities with some paintings displayed in the Kinesthesia exhibition. For example, Bandu Darmawan and Condro Priyoaji incorporate shadows in a white plane, creating a dreamy and ethereal effect on some instruments. Hardi Budi's photographic works are characterized by a dominant use of green, producing a minimalistic and ambiguous visual. Similarly, Ella Wijt and Yuki Nakayama use minimalistic color palettes in their paintings. In contrast, Yosefa Aulia have a richer color palette while maintaining a seamless and soft tone.
However, contemporary music is about more than just advancements in recording or instruments. Many musicians still incorporate traditional values into their work, blending them with a modern touch. This form of "folk contemporary" music remains relevant in today's era while preserving traditional values. Folk music connects solidly to conventional home and cultural values [4]. Artists often celebrate cultural identity as a subject matter or medium, as many have a personal connection to their roots and "home." Though it is common to highlight the tradition of a particular group of society, everyone has their unique way of representing it as a personal identity, both to themselves and the public.
A person's culture often reflects in their creations and works of art. For example, although she currently lives in London, Sinta Tantra incorporates elements of her Balinese heritage in her works through geometric shapes. Similarly, Jemana, studying in Singapore, draws inspiration from his roots in Bali. A. Sebastianus, on the other hand, is inspired by traditional woven techniques in his family tradition, which can be seen in his works. The influence of a musician's home culture can also be seen in the works of Hannah Shin from South Korea and Kumari Nahappan from Malaysia, who incorporate Indian elements. All five of these artists represent their home culture in a contemporary form.
Both visual art and music can only be perceived through one of our senses. However, artworks can evoke other senses during the appreciation process. Stimulating multiple senses simultaneously, such as watching movies or viewing visual art while listening to music, can create a more immersive and rich experience. The KINESTHESIA exhibition showcases the connection between different art forms and how they can influence and inspire one another.
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[1] Bogdanov, Vladimir (2001). All Music Guide to Electronica: The Definitive Guide to Electronic Music (4th
edition). Backbeat Books.
[2] Bogdanov, Vladimir (2001). All Music Guide to Electronica: The Definitive Guide to Electronic Music (4th edition). Backbeat Books.
[3] "Explore: Shoegaze | AllMusic". AllMusic. 2011-02-17.
[4] Mills, Isabelle (1974). "The Heart of the Folk Song." Canadian Journal for Traditional Music.
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