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Learning from Loops

Semester
Autumn 2024
Dates

Dates: from October 29th to October 31st, included

Time: 10h-17h30

First meeting place/time: 29.10 at 9h45, in HEAD - Building A (the blue one): Route des Franchises 2, 1203 Genève. Performance room, 3.12: 3rd floor, through the big double doors on the left, all the way down the corridor past the studios - room on the right. 

Accessible à touxtes

Le workshop sera donné en anglais

ECTS
6
Kunsthochschule
Universität / Haute École
HEAD - Genève
Website
Teacher
Jeremy Nedd
Contact email
for student applications
Content description

EN

A loop can be a shape: A curve that bends around and crosses itself; A structure, series, or process, the end of which is connected to the beginning; A repeating section of sound material.

Departing from these definitions and the various other interpretations, iterations and spaces of understanding that “loops” occupy, we will explore how when rigorously mined visually, physically and sonically the loop as a model can open doors to latent or even new understanding that transcends the initial idea or intention of the loop itself. 

As a starting point, we will reflect upon the undeniable presence of the loop in Hip Hop music as one of its primary building blocks and sonically defining characteristics through the music of legendary producer J Dilla’s vast body of work. From there I would like give attention to specific works like: John Baldessari’s “I am making art”; Alvin Lucier’s “I am sitting in a room”; Glenn Ligon’s “Untitled (I am a Man) & Untitled (I am an Invisible man) and William Basinski’s “The Disintegration loops.”

There will also be line dancing. 

Oscillating between hypnotic trance and the precipice of what is to be found if or when a loop is exhausted and reaches its breaking point (or perhaps a break through) we will remain available to what is to be revealed and perhaps lead to devising new methods to apply to ones own artistic practice. 

Based on an open understanding of what is or could be a loop, I invite you to bring your own loops (either outside reference or from your personal practice) and your own laptop with a download of Ableton and/ or Rekordbox (both have free trial versions).