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Provoking, Disturbing, Hacking: Media archaeology as a framework for the understanding of contemporary DIY composers’ instruments and ideas

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 November 2013

Sanne Krogh Groth*
Affiliation:
Performance-design, CBIT, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, Postboks 260, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark E-mail: sanneg@ruc.dk

Abstract

The article is a discussion of works by two Danish composers who both, with self-constructed instruments, challenge computer music as genre, the understanding and use of conventional technology, and the music's relation to history. At first glance, the use of homemade instruments appears to be a common characteristic. But, when one takes a closer look, different discourses and various discussions of media and materiality are revealed. In the article the various positions are unfolded through discussions within the theoretical field of media archaeology – a science with its roots in media studies, but also an important framework for the production and understanding of a variety of DIY practices.

The overall purpose with the article is twofold: on the one hand it illustrates how theories from the field of media archaeology contribute interesting perspectives to discussions of artistic work within the area of DIY. On the other hand, it also serves as a critical discussion of media archaeology as not necessarily the solution to every aspect of artistic practices. The two artists are Morten Riis and Goodiepal.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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References

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