Kent Artists Wins At British Composer Awards

Kent based sound artist Robert Jarvis has scooped the prize of winner of this year's British Composer Awards in their New Media Category for his sound installation DISAPPEAR.

The work is made up of what Robert refers to as ‘endangered sounds’ – ie those sounds that might not be around in, say, twenty years time (for example, matches striking, milk bottles, wind-up alarm clocks, and so on). The piece aims to (re)connect people with the transient nature of the sounds around them.

The installation consisted of a surround sound composition together with an interactive visual element consisting of a floor covering of about 200 descriptions of endangered sounds. These were painted onto lining wall paper with black acrylic paint, torn out, and then layered beside and on top of each other creating a startling carpet effect covering the entire floor space. Visitors entered the soundscape, walking over the floor piece and thereby adding to the degradation of the painted words.  Gradually then, the visual element changed from its beginning untouched ‘immaculate’ state to that of an untidy mess from its visitors’ footprints and also gradual disintegration of the paper.

It is hoped that the work will tour again later on this year.  Enquiries concerning bookings should be made to c.gist@btinternet.com.

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