About

Recent years have seen an exponential increase in the number of composers and sound artists actively addressing contemporary environmental concerns, such as biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change, through their creative practice, forming a significant new movement of ecological sound art. In providing a cultural response to some of the most significant socio-political issues of modern times, ecological sound art represents an important trend within sound arts, and one which can only continue to grow as the issues it addresses increasingly affect the lives of people across the globe; however, it currently suffers from a dearth of academic research.  My research will define, describe and critically evaluate this growing field of ecological sound art, taking an interdisciplinary approach to address the following core questions:  What is the historical, cultural, political and sociological context surrounding the development of ecological sound art? What precedents and related movements can be identified, and how does it intersect with other forms of ‘sonic activism’ related to other subjectivities? In what sense can such works be said to be ‘environmental’ or ‘ecological’ – and is there a difference between the two?  What different approaches, techniques and methodologies are adopted; what philosophical or socio-political meanings and messages do they have; and what do they hope to achieve?  Are works of ecological sound art an appropriate and effective response to contemporary environmental concerns? Are there any problems associated with them – and can these be justified or overcome?  Do ecological sound works achieve their objectives? Can they successfully function both as good art and an effective form of environmental activism? Do these two aspects compromise or strengthen each other? What can we conclude about the role and usefulness of ecological sound art as a cultural response to contemporary environmental issues?  Jono Gilmurray | London College of Communication, University of the Arts London - Academia.edu