Woven Sound: An Evening Of Non-Retrievable Music

Austin Engelhardt will be leading an evening of music in the 701 Center for Contemporary Art Gallery with the goal of exploring how sound can transform the way an audience experiences visual art. By sonically reshaping the space, Engelhardt aims to highlight the malleability of perception and the dialogue between art and environment. This performance is held in conjunction with the By Hand & Machine Exhibition, on display in our gallery from April 2 – May 17. Gallery Hours are Thursday – Sunday from 1-5pm.

Doors: 6:30pm
Music Starts: 7:00pm
Location: 701 CCA Gallery, 701 Whaley St., Columbia, SC (Upstairs)

Members: $15
Non-Members: $20

Event Description 

When we view a work of art, we encounter a physical realization of our own humanity – an expression of the dynamic, living emotions, ideas, and nuances that define us as human beings. Yet, like our ever-evolving humanity, the art we see does not exist within a single context. The environment in which we encounter it, and the way we experience it profoundly shapes our perception and understanding. This openness to reimagining our understanding of a work does not diminish our previous beliefs and understanding of the art work; rather, it affirms our humanity and our capacity to grow as people. It proves that we are human and capable of changing.

As a composer and performer, I prioritize the aesthetic nature of sound while seeking new ways to communicate musical expression. My work often integrates multimedia elements and improvisation, encouraging perceptual shifts for both musicians and listeners. For this installation, I envision a single long-form piece performed by a small ensemble of three to seven musicians. The performance can be tailored to any exhibit that is happening within the space. Performers will be placed throughout the gallery, surrounding the audience and creating an immersive sonic landscape. Visitors are free to move through the space, experiencing visual works fixed in time alongside a living, unfolding work of sound.

All musical material would be generated directly from the art on display both through prior study and real-time improvisation, creating a semi-improvised dialogue between visual art, music, performers, and the gallery itself. In this way, the installation becomes a conversation: between art that is static and art that evolves through time, between visual and sonic media, between artists and audience.

I believe that as musicians in the modern age, it is vital to push our art into new directions and engage audiences in innovative ways. This project seeks to shift music out of the traditional concert hall and into more accessible spaces, reaching communities who may not otherwise encounter this kind of work. Growing up, I had little access to concert halls and only discovered this musical world as an adult. That experience has left me passionate about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for broader engagement.

Music is a living, evolving art form. Our methods of presenting and experiencing it should reflect that dynamism. By bringing this installation to the 701 Center for Contemporary Art, we will create an experience that is both exciting for audiences and illuminating for artists, a celebration of art’s power to reshape our perception of ourselves and the world around us.

– Austin Engelhardt

Musicians:
Austin Engelhardt – Electric Guitar/Electronics
Taylor Klonowski – Brass
Shelby Miller – Flute
Nick Muellner – Saxophone
Gabriel Newvine – Brass
Geordan Raisler – Bass