In the first class we will need to decide on possible research questions. I have considered two general themes, the first sound about nature. It is also related to the current problem of climate change, and I wanted to study the theme of disappearing sounds. Disappearance is defined as something diminishing to nothing, something ceasing to exist. Vanishing sounds can come from both natural and artificial objects.
Many artists have used ice melting to represent a glacier’s passing. Paul Kos’ The Sound of Ice Melting, 1970 Eight microphones are placed near two blocks of ice to record and transmit the sound of melting material as the ice returns from the solid to the liquid state through a system of amplification. This work is based on an ancient Zen sutra about the sound of one hand clapping. Here, Kos surrounds two 25-pound blocks of ice with eight microphones that recall the political press conferences prevalent during the Vietnam War when Kos created this work. Zen values this absurdity as a way of transcending the limits of ordinary discourse and rational thought – an experiential process that lies at the root of all political conflict. Paul Kos uses everyday materials and video to formulate a playful conceptual engagement with life and the world. Responding to simple, humble materials and site-specific indigenous elements, he mines their physical properties and metaphorical possibilities. In these works, Kos uses humor to connect the stuff of life with more significant issues of time and spirituality.
Sixteen chairs are made with bent metal tubes, and ice blocks are used for the seats and backs of the chairs. In a short period, the melting of the ice blocks leads to the disintegration of the object and the loud noise of its structure falling.
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