Inside out: the under-theorised object and material voice in fine art practice

Abstract

The human voice is significant to culture and communication and its agency differs across the heterogeneous discourses within which it is listened to and produced. This thesis assesses what the voice does in Fine Art practice where it is under-theorised but often used by artists. The research questions are: how does a voice register as a material and an object (physical material presence), rather than equating only to the subject who produces it? And how can an artist produce a direct address with their voice? The thesis examines the nature of direct vocal address in Fine Art practice with the installation Trialogue (2013) and with the discussion of case studies that privilege the voice. Trialogue uses three screens to emphasise the action of voices and vocal genres. Four single screen video works are played over three screens during which the audience hears a jazz singer, children and my voice.

Date of Award	Jan 2014
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Brighton