Sound objects for Trapa
Artist Statement:
On my arrival to Santa Cruz da Trapa, I was intrigued by the manystone structures I saw there-structures like pedestrian paths, walls, and houses. I took many photos and thought of using them as a starting point for my project. Later, I began to scavenge an incredible debris of memory and trash from the owner of the residency space. I connected sound sculptures to these old objects. I like these chance occurrences, when what had been expected and planned before hand is not necessarily the best outcome of the residency.
At one point, I placed some paper balloons on the familiar stairs of the residency. It reminded me of Japan, or at least made me realize why I had chosen to come here to Portugal. The stairs looked so familiar because they were similar to the structures of the stone steps that lead to shrines in Japan. I wanted to find a balance between memories as ephemera and memories as objects, like text or found objects. I presented my work outside, in the landscape, and then brought it back into the gallery space of the residency. The experience of the piece was completely different in both settings.
Meanwhile, I joined in school workshops that some other artists were leading. The children were so active and energetic and always wanted to do more with the instruments they were provided. On the last day, after I had performed in the gallery, I spoke with some of the local people I had met in the village. One woman was very pleased with the work and came out of her car to thank me. It was a pleasure to connect with people in such a different context through experimental sound art.
Ryoko Akama is a Japanese born sound artist living in the UK. She composes text scores and installations. She approaches the aesthetics of silence, time/space through diverse materials including objects, electronics, papers, inks and text. She runs a melange edition label and co-runs mumei publishing/reductive journal.