WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 31, 2016 — West Liberty University presents a surprising art show featuring sound artist Adam Basanta during April. The opening reception attracted about 40 students and guests who enjoyed the chance to see and hear the artwork now on display in WLU’s Nutting Gallery.
Montreal-based sound artist, composer and performer of experimental music, Basanta installed three sound works that use amplification to create sound and produce microphone feedback.
“I use computer algorithms to change sound frequencies and make sure volume of individual pieces works well with the exhibition as a whole. So it becomes almost like a musical,” said Basanta.
Most guests viewing his work had never seen sound art before and appeared fascinated by the installations and concept.
“This is an unusual art exhibition. Something I’ve never seen before but it is very entertaining,” said Kezia Kokeina, who is an international student from Indonesia.
“Sound is very central in my work. My installations are always either about sound or about listening that’s why I call it sound art. Now I work mostly in a gallery space because it functions better than a concert hall. It allows people to come in and spend as much time with it as they want. It can be 30 seconds or 30 minutes.”
During the last five years Basanta has been focusing on sound installations and has presented his work in galleries across the world.
“Recently I’ve done shows in Madrid (Spain) and Ljubljana (Slovenia), and there is another show that is opening in UK in about a week,” said Basanta.
WLU music students will receive a chance to talk more in depth about Basanta’s work and the use of technology in music production since the artist will be a guest lecturer in a music technology class on March 31.
Basanta holds a bachelor’s degree in composition from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, B.C. and an interdisciplinary master’s of art degree in composition and sound art installation from Concordia University, Montreal, Québec.
Basanta’s sound installation is open through April 21 in the Nutting Gallery.
WLU’s Department of Music and Theater is housed within the College of Arts and Communication. It offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree and the Bachelor of Music Technology degree programs. Students also may choose to minor in music. For complete information, please contact the music department at 304-336-8930.
For more information, please contact the director of the Nutting Gallery, Assistant Professor of Art Robert Villamagna at rvillama@westliberty.edu or call 304-336-8370.