Wang Changcun and Melanie Velarde first met while performing together in Shanghai, China in 2006. Both are interested in electro-acoustical compositions that take their origins in phonography. In opposing different field recordings they aim to create abstract soundscapes and to generate artificial sonic landscapes within a new environment. In Gulliver, they probe and confront each other with their individual compositions based on field recordings ranging from the mountains in North China to Germany’s suburban wastelands.

Melanie Velarde is interested in the spatial and semiotic properties of mostly existing sound. She has been using field recordings to produce audio/sensual textures that can be experienced within a defined space, usually in form of sound and video installations. She received a Master in New Media Art (Sound Studies) from RMIT, Melbourne in 2001.

Wang Changcun’s works were selected for CHINA: the Sonic Avant-Garde, the first compilation of Chinese sound art released by the California-based label Post-Concrete. Wang Changcun performs regularly throughout China and toured Europe with Belgian label Sub Rosa in 2004. Wang Changcun’s The Mountain Swallowing Sadness was released on Sub Rosa in 2006.

http://www.chinesenewear.com/harbin

Free Artist Floor Talk: Thursday 1 November, 12.30-1.30pm