SLATUR - Research from the Icelandic Academy of the Arts

Posted by Thor Magnusson on February 23, 2019

:::: Friday, March 1st, 1pm, @ The Sussex Humanities Lab, Sussex University ::::

A series of presentations from Iceland-based composers and artists working with electronic media and transdisciplinary practice, teaching at the Iceland University of the Arts. The session will be followed by a short concert, starting at 2pm, with performances of pieces written by these composers on the new halldorophone instrument (see below).

Jesper Pedersen
Title: Live performance with modular synths

Live performance with modular synthesizers can be a challenge. Even more so when performing solo. In this talk, Jesper will introduce his current hybrid live rig and demonstrate some of the performance capabilities of his DIY Serge modular.

Bio: Jesper Pedersen is a composer, performer, educator and DIYer based in Reykjavik. He studied Music Technology at Aalborg University in Denmark and has been developing experimental works that mixes DIY technology with acoustic musical instruments through the use of real time software based animated graphical notation. Recently he has been focussing on performing on modular synthesizers both solo and in collaborations such as the North Atlantic postcolonial outfit The Remains of the Commonwealth.

His works have been performed internationally by S.L.Á.T.U.R., Goodiepal and Pals, Duo Harpverk, Ensemble Adapter, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov, Katie Buckley, Ingólfur Vilhjámsson at festivals including the Tectonics Festival, Nordlichter Biennale, Sonic Festival, OpenDays, Rainy Days, Summartónar, Raflost, Geiger, Sláturtíð, Dark Music Days and Nordic Music Days. Jesper is a part of the Icelandic composers collective S.L.Á.T.U.R. and pays the bills by teaching electronic music composition at the Iceland Academy of the Arts and the Kópavogur Computer Music Center.

www.slatur.is/jesper
www.instagram.com/jespertralala

Jesper Pedersen


Sam Rees
Title: Visual Noise, Discordant Clutter

Sam will present examples of his personal work with interactive dioramas using circuit-bent toy robots as well as his influences and current interests, from outsider art to voodoo shrines, scavenger populations and robot-human empathy.

Bio: A generalist with a passion for DIY cultures, manifesting itself through printed matter, installation, workshops and events. British born, Sam studied interactive arts in Manchester in 2003, but has been living in Iceland for the last 6 years. He teaches interactive media at the Iceland University of the Arts, was a co-founder of the Fjúk arts residency in NE Iceland and co-organises the annual Reykjavik Zine and Print Fair.

Recent work focuses on a series of interactive dioramas - sequential narrative installations, eclectic assemblage with circuit bent toys, exploring technological waste and our perception of robotics. Recent activities include a residency at Signal Culture in upstate New York, and exhibitions at the Reykjavik Electronic Arts Festival and Nordic House.

www.ififoundafrozentimewarpidputitinthemicrowaveatyourhouse.co.uk http://instagram.com/sam.t.rees

Sam Rees


Áki Ásgeirsson
Title: About S.L.Á.T.U.R.

Short introduction to few past projects of the Icelandic S.L.Á.T.U.R. group, including art and sport competitions, musical notation, costume design and cross-/trans-/non-disciplinary practice.

Bio: Áki Ásgeirsson is a composer and multimedia artist from Garður, Iceland. He has written music for traditional instruments as well as designed new acoustic instruments, audio software, computer controlled instruments and sound installations.

Áki has been active in the Icelandic experimental music/art scene as a composer, sound artist and performer. With background in free improvisation, electronic music, art coding and algorithmic music, Áki often works in collaboration with other artists of various fields.

He is a member of composer collective S.L.Á.T.U.R. and co-organises the RAFLOST festival for electronic art.

www.aki.is

Aki Asgeirsson


Halldór Úlfarsson
The Augmented Halldorophone (a short discussion in conjunction with the concert presentation)

A short talk about the exploration of the newest BELA equipped Halldorophone and writing a small piece of music for it. Sonic as well as technological obstacles encountered during the work will be discussed from the viewpoint of the composer’s role. The Halldorophone is the brainchild of Icelandic artist and instrument designer Halldór Úlfarsson.

For further info: http://www.halldorophone.info

Halldorophone