20 Oct – 5 Dec 2018
exhibition of 8-channel sound composition

Sat 20 Oct 2018 at 12.00 (noon) – exhibition opening and guided tour  

Photo: Boštjan Perovšek
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Composition created especially for exhibition at Steklenik is based on original music Bugs, a Walrus and a Door Whirl in a Circle Dance from 1986 (8-channel version, 30 minutes). The sound material is composed from various sounds of bugs combined with sounds of a walrus and a door. Different sounds of bugs were very inspirational for the artist. In his work he uses recordings of Dr Matija Gogala, who gave him 80 hour long recordings of bugs on mag tape, from which he abstracted 20 distinct patterns. Shortened, stereo version of the music was also part of Ars Acustica 1995-96 Listening Proposals in the framework of EBU (European Broadcasting Union).

Artist’s words about the composition:

I define this music as bio-acoustic, even if it would also be possible to put it in electro-acoustic music. But as I wish to remain consistent when citing source, I stay wiyh my statement. It is not a bio-acoustic piece due to current trends in the field of bioart, but because it is based on the sound material of scientists, dealing with research of animal vocalisation. This field is called bio-acoustic. In live act in 1986 we listed both voluntary (members of experimental music group SAETA) as well as involuntary performers (animals). This statement is the consequence of consistence in citing the sources of music.

In 2016 in the frame of 1st International Symposium on Biotremology, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige) the composition Bugs, a Walrus and a Door – Trento 16 was performed for the first time, based on the original music. Besides the live act, the basic sound material also uses electro-acoustic processing of sound patterns and modules of animal world in combination with the use of synthetic electronic sources that resemble the basic acoustic (animal) material. Especially for this occasion Dr Matija Gogala contributed a new recording of bug Legnotus limbosus.

Artwork Bugs, a Walrus and a Door – Steklenik 2018 is an upgrade of the original music from 1986 with new sounds of bug Legnotus limbosus and returns to the basic sound realisation for 8-channel sound system. Same as in 2016, the basic sound material also uses electro-acoustic processing of sound patterns and modules of animal world in combination with the use of synthetic electronic sources that resemble the basic acoustic (animal) material.

This artwork as well as Bugs, a Walrus and a Door – Trento 16 enables live act performance with combining different pre-recored sound modules that form the base of composition. The procedure of real time combining is joined by simultaneous electro-acoustic work (live electronics). Due to various possible combinations that are possible in live performance, the realizations can be significantly different from one another. Therefore, this is a kind of living organism that adapts the length of performance to the performer, his mood and the venue itself. It can be set up as stereo, surround 5.1, 4-channel, or 8-channel version.

Boštjan Perovšek

Boštjan Perovšek (SLO), musician, composer and soundscape artist, composes experimental, electro acoustic music. He specialises in creating bio-acoustic music based on the sounds of animals, especially insects. He plays on his own or with the band SAETA, which performs experimental music. He also creates music for film, theatre, performances and multimedia installations, as well as soundscapes for museums and galleries. He has published a number of CD’s, some as a solo artist, some with the band SAETA. His first vinyl LP entitled „Bio, Industrial Acoustica (green)“ reveals compositions from his bio-acoustics.