Thu 15.11.2012 Seminar: The Poetry of Silence with Alexandre Decoupigny

At the heart of John Cage’s discovery of silence as a basis for his work lies the assumption and realisation that a sound is simply a sound. Nothing more. Nothing less. Unlike language and music, a sound is just that. This meaningful meaninglessness of sound provides a fascinating context for poetic work with words. For in a rich void, even a faint utterance can be a Big Bang.

With the help of short, simple exercises by the Canadian soundscape composer R. Murray Schaffer, the sound of silence is explored, providing the starting point for one’s own poetic work. Words and sounds serve as the material for a media-artistic sketch of a work. To realise this sketch, participants can choose between an audiovisual and an acoustic format. Work in both formats is primarily aimed at the practical mastery of the basic principles of digital sound recording and its subsequent processing, as well as the artistic and creative use of sound and words. The course utilises both Free Open Source Software (FOSS) and commercial software. The knowledge gained serves as inspiration to be used creatively in the classroom or in group work.

The seminar is open to trainee and practising teachers, early years educators and German teachers, as well as art and music teachers.

Alexandre Decoupigny is a musician and sound artist. His strength lies in his extensive body of work, which is linked by poetic imagery. His artistic practice encompasses audio walks, installations and participatory projects, and is based on the concept of ‘sound and social practice’ that he has developed. In 2009, Alexandre won the NGBK Berlin’s international call for entries for the U 10 project. His work has been presented at venues including FACT Liverpool, the ZKM in Karlsruhe and the Sonic Arts Expo. Alexandre has been working in the field of cultural education since 1999, and has also been active on an international level on a regular basis since 2002.

The Poetry of Silence
with musician and artist Alexandre Decoupigny

15 November 2012, 11.00–18.00

HMKV at the Dortmunder U (2nd floor)
Leonie-Reygers-Terrasse
44137 Dortmund

Participation is free of charge and a certificate of attendance will be provided.