Art that is experienced with the ears rather than the eyes will be installed at the Detroit Artists Market (DAM) in a sound show called "Sacred and Profane" May 7 through May 31. The show is curated by WDET-FM 101.9 radio host Liz Copeland and music producer, DJ and record label manager Clark Warner. For this unique exhibit, the two well-known Detroit music enthusiasts tapped into their vast network of contacts in the music industry and selected eight sound artists from around the globe who will present unreleased work created specifically for this show.
"Sacred and Profane" features sound pieces by emerging and well-established artists alike: Jack Dangers, Warn Defever, Richie Hawtin, Thurston Moore, Tadd Mullinix, DJ Olive, Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Mark Van Hoen. Many types of sound are presented in the exhibition; classical compositions are sampled and treated, free jazz is given free reign, experimental electronics are featured, peaceful landscapes emerge and noise experimentation finds a home in the exhibition.
DAM will produce a limited edition CD of the work presented in Sacred and Profane, and the CDs will be on sale during the run of the show. The artists have granted permission for the sale of the CDs and proceeds will benefit the Detroit Artists Market.
"Art galleries generally are very specific about presenting art that is experienced visually," said Copeland. "Sometimes a gallery will incorporate sound but it usually is regarded as a supplement to visual art. This exhibit will be very purist in its presentation – displaying no visuals on the walls –allowing the listeners to fully experience and interact with the piece."
Each sound artist has recorded an original, unreleased piece specifically for the "Sacred and Profane" show and it will be presented at individual listening stations set up throughout DAM’s gallery space. Visitors will listen privately through headsets and at one 5.1 surround sound station. The pieces vary in length from one minute to 49 minutes.
"We have selected sound artists who are doing unique work. They each have a different approach and this show allows for an interesting interplay and contrast between their styles," said Warner.
Copeland and Warner’s work often puts them in contact with out-of-town musical artists, at times acting as unofficial ambassadors to the Detroit music scene. DAM’s Sacred and Profane provided an opportunity to collaborate in a formal way, joining Copeland’s eclectic musical sensibility with Warner’s interest and knowledge of electronic music.
"Sacred and Profane is the first time the Detroit Artists Market has made music the focal point of an exhibition," said Executive Director Aaron Timlin. "We are very excited to exhibit the work of sound artists in our galleries because Detroit is known around the world for its innovative music scene and as a place where music is considered a serious art form that engages people on many levels. It’s appropriate to showcase music in this way and we look forward to hearing the comments of our visitors."
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