Oxford Handbook of Sound Art

The Oxford Handbook of Sound Art explores the practices, politics, and emerging frameworks of thought that define sound art, a previously amorphous area of study. It is organized in six overarching themes: Space, Time, Things, Fabric, Senses, and Relationality, which represent key areas of development in the visual arts and music during the second half of the twentieth century.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 632 pages
\n Publication date: 17 November 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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Sound art has defied a definitive definition for a long time, emerging from a transitional space between twentieth-century thought and practice movements. It has frequently been characterized by the gaps it has left behind, such as the space between music, fine art, and performance. The Oxford Handbook of Sound Art provides a comprehensive survey of the practices, politics, and emerging frameworks of thought that have shaped this previously amorphous field of study. Throughout the Handbook, artists and thinkers delve into the diverse applications of sound in contemporary art practices, embracing a global perspective. Chapters are organized into six overarching themes: Space, Time, Things, Fabric, Senses, and Relationality. These themes represent critical areas of development in the visual arts and music during the second half of the twentieth century, paving the way for the emergence of sound art. By offering thematic frameworks for understanding these themes, the Handbook establishes recognized centers of activity for diverse thought and practice.

Introduction:
Sound art has a rich and complex history, evolving from the intersections of various artistic disciplines. It emerged as a distinct form of artistic expression in the mid-twentieth century, challenging traditional boundaries and pushing the boundaries of what was considered art. In this essay, we will explore the definition of sound art, its historical development, and its impact on contemporary art.

Defining Sound Art:
Sound art is a form of artistic expression that emphasizes the use of sound as the primary medium of artistic creation. It encompasses a wide range of practices, including sound installation, performance, sound sculpture, and sound design. Sound art is characterized by its emphasis on the auditory experience, the exploration of sound's physical properties, and the use of technology to manipulate and create sound.

Historical Development:
Sound art has its roots in the experimental music movements of the mid-twentieth century, such as avant-garde, experimental, and electronic music. These movements sought to break free from the constraints of traditional musical notation and explore new ways of creating and performing music. Sound artists began to experiment with the use of sound as a medium for artistic expression, using techniques such as tape manipulation, sampling, and sound synthesis.

Impact on Contemporary Art:
Sound art has had a significant impact on contemporary art, challenging traditional notions of what art can be and how it can be experienced. It has opened up new possibilities for artistic expression, allowing artists to explore the boundaries of sound and create works that are immersive, interactive, and sensory. Sound art has also influenced the development of other artistic disciplines, such as visual art, dance, and performance, as artists have sought to incorporate sound into their work in innovative and creative ways.

Conclusion:
Sound art is a dynamic and evolving form of artistic expression that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the arts. It is characterized by its emphasis on the auditory experience, the exploration of sound's physical properties, and the use of technology to manipulate and create sound. Sound art has had a significant impact on contemporary art, challenging traditional notions of what art can be and how it can be experienced. As the field continues to evolve, we can expect to see new and innovative approaches to sound art that will continue to shape the artistic landscape of the future.

\n Weight: 1228g\n
Dimension: 182 x 255 x 42 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780190274054\n \n