Abstract
Karikis is at the vanguard of contemporary sound research. His project 'Orphica' consists of twelve related musical compositions
for acoustic instruments, electronics and voice, and operates at the crossroads of contemporary electronica, avant-garde and
Greek-folk music genres. The research draws on the theme of the mythical singer and archetypal musician Orpheus, exploring
different notions and perspectives around the social role and cultural function of the contemporary musician. Its differing outputs
cover video, live performance, popular music genres and art gallery sound installations.
'Orphica' is Mikhail's debut solo album following on from collaborations with sound-explorers D. Toop and Scanner, and
pop-experimentalist Björk. Part of 'Orphica' was first selected by Björk beside celebrated musicians M. White and P. Wolf in an
international music competition initiated by her; it appeared on Björk’s album Army of Me (2005). To date 'Orphica' has received
over twenty international reviews, including in Le Monde (29.5.2007); it has featured on French and Italian national radio and in
influential music magazines Wire and Mojo. Furthermore, 'Orphica' consists of film animations screened at the British Film
Institute alongside new works by Peter Greenaway (15. 16.3.07) and at a variety of European festivals.
Inspired by the ancient Greek archetype of the poet/musician Orpheus, Karikis follows on from the long tradition of artists
(spanning from Ovid through Shakespeare, Stravinsky to Nick Cave) who employ the Orphean theme to explore the political
and emotional power of music, and the socio-cultural function of the artist-creator. No prior work has engaged with the Greek
roots and geopolitical placement of the Orphean story – essential for the understanding of its symbolism and culturally
transgressive nature. Karikis broke new ground with this project by retracing Orpheus’s steps to Mount Olympus and producing
location audio-recordings.
Original language | English |
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Publisher | Panic Arrest |
Place of Publication | UK |
Publication status | Published - 4 May 2007 |
Keywords
- Bjork
- Greek folk music
- experimental