Song Archive Project

Participatory Art Project
Video, Installation, Performance
2003 - 2013

The aim of the Song Archive project is to develop a body of works that examine contemporary song culture in a visual art context. The Song Archive project began in 2003 in response to a song collection from 1773 by Johann G, Herder. His collection and theory suggests that the cultural identity of a people is reflected through their song tradition. In response I invite people from different ages and social backgrounds to perform a song of their choice in front of a video camera. The participants are asked for spontaneous performances without preparation, creating raw honest acts of self-assuredness, embarrassment, dignity, skill, enjoyment, solidarity, and vulnerability. Singing, often a private act is made into unrehearsed public performance.

I have also taken on an interventionist role in the form of public performance based events to engage with local communities and encourage interaction with the project. The resulting artwork demonstrates a complex set of relationships; between myself, the participants and the significance of place.

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