Synesthetic Sensory Stimulation with Ryoichi Kurokawa

Summary

The speaker shares their journey of blending sound and visuals into immersive experiences, emphasizing a synesthetic approach rooted in nature. Lacking formal training in music and art, they prioritize experimentation and personal expression. By utilizing techniques like field recording and sound manipulation, they create unique setups for each performance. Their upbringing in rural Japan profoundly influences their work, inspiring a desire to engage audiences through the harmony of sound and visuals. Ultimately, the artist aims to sculpt sound in ways that resonate with space and time, transforming personal ideas into tangible experiences that evoke a deep connection with the natural world.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The artist aims to create a synesthetic experience that combines sound and visuals rather than conveying a specific message.
• 📚 The speaker has no formal training in music or design, emphasizing a playful and exploratory approach to art.
• 🌱 The core concepts of their work focus on the natural world and providing synesthetic experiences.
• 🔊 Sound control is a primary focus, utilizing field recordings, processing, and mixing to create structured noise and randomness.
• 💻 The artist prefers to adapt their technical setup for each performance, using two computers and multiple monitors for flexibility.
• 🔄 Software choices vary based on the project, emphasizing synchronization between sound and visuals as a unified experience.
• 🌳 Growing up in a rural environment influences the artist’s work, leading to a strong incorporation of natural elements.
• ⏳ The speaker reflects on how artificial constructs can compress time and space compared to the expansive nature.
• 🗺️ The ultimate goal is to design sound spatially and temporally, sculpting it to reflect personal visions and ideas.
• ✨ The artist views their work as a means to manifest their ideas into reality, focusing on personal expression in their art.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the artistic work discussed in the transcript?

The main goal is to provide an experiential understanding of synesthetic experiences by combining sound and visuals, rather than conveying a specific message.

Did the speaker have formal training in music or design?

No, the speaker did not have formal training in music or design but was motivated to create art for enjoyment and exploration.

What are the two main axes of the speaker's work?

The two main axes are the integration of natural elements and the provision of synesthetic experiences.

How does the speaker approach sound in their artwork?

The speaker focuses on controlling sound through field recordings, processing, and mixing, often generating order from noise and randomness.

What is the significance of technology in the speaker's art?

While technology plays a crucial role in the speaker's work, it is not the art itself; rather, it is a tool to enhance the creative process.

What setup does the speaker typically use for performances?

The speaker prefers a simple setup, often using two computers and two video outputs, but varies the system based on the specific artwork and concert.

How does the speaker synchronize sound and visuals?

The speaker uses various software tools to synchronize sound patterns with visual elements, treating both as a unified entity.

What role does nature play in the speaker's work?

Nature significantly influences the speaker's work, drawing from experiences in rural areas and integrating natural sounds and visuals into their art.

How does the speaker view the relationship between artificial structures and nature?

The speaker believes that artificial structures can compress time and space in ways that nature cannot, and this relationship informs their artistic exploration.

What is the ultimate goal of the speaker's design process for sound?

The ultimate goal is to sculpt sound within time and space, creating an immersive experience that reflects the speaker's personal ideas and visions.