Canvas? Paint? No, Just Sound

Each year in London, a British artist is chosen to receive the Turner Prize, which is a monetary award given to an artist who “pushes the definition of ‘art’ in <a> novel and provocative way.”  This year, the Turner Prize was awarded to Susan Philipsz, who creates all of her artwork using nothing but sound.  Her art is “displayed” in various galleries, and one piece, titled “Lowlands”, is now on display at the Tate Modern Gallery.  This particular work consists of an empty, off-white room, where Philipsz’s voice can be heard through three speakers, singing three variations of an old Scottish lament.  A visitor who saw “Lowlands” said that she enjoyed it much more than she enjoyed the previous Turner Prize winner’s artwork.  She claimed that while the other works were “visually unsatisfying”, Philipsz’s “has a completeness — it’s very simple and it moves you in a different way.”  Another visitor said that Philipsz’s art reminded him of sculptor Richard Serra.  He said that “her art makes you think of your place in the world, and opens you up to your feelings.”  Isn’t it strange that the artwork with nothing visual about it gave one the sense of completeness and evokes deep emotions?

However, not everyone was as satisfied with “Lowlands” as the above visitors were.  Many people were confused by it, claiming that it was not something that they were used to.  They found it very interesting, but were unsure of how to react emotionally.  Others said that the artwork would have been better experienced in different environments in order to get the full effect.

Below is a short excerpt from one of the variations of “Lowlands” sung by Philipsz.  It is very simple and sort of haunting, in a way, which actually adds to its beauty.  Just imagine listening to this while standing in an empty, off-white room.  Sure would make you think!

You can read more about this here.