Summary report
Over the two weeks I spent in Seoul (1 - 12 August) I was able to accomplish far more than I had set out to. This report covers all aspects of the research trip - what I had set out to achieve, new discoveries along the way and opportunities beyond the life of the project itself.
Meetings with Toy Satellite's Korean partners (Art Center Nabi, Jinbonet and IPLeft, Australian Embassy Seoul) established project aims, objectives and roles. The joint meeting/workshop highlighted the fact that this project is not only a creative exercise, networking amongst partners is creating opportunities that may not have existed prior to my visit. For example, exposing Open Access Licensing from IPLeft to the new media arts community, particularly sound and video artists, has not only raised IPLeft's profile, it will engage with a new sector of the Korean cultural community, one that supports the notion of a culture liberated from some of the constraints of conventional copyright licensing.
Local collaborators were identified early on in the visit, many artists attending a lecture I gave at Art Center Nabi's Upgrade series. I was invited to perform at what was described as the only live electronic sound and live video venue in Seoul, Relay, and in response to the acceleration of mutual goals between local artists and myself a recording workshop in the second week, in association with Nabi, was organised. This consolidated the collaboration that, in many respects, has already commenced. In addition, opportunities for ongoing collaboration post-Synesthesia Urbania have been mooted. It has been suggested that the project be replicated in Australia, with Korean artists being our guests.
Two likely venues were visited and reviewed (SK Telecom's new building and Tispen Theatre). Both quite suitable for the performance, although one would have less appeal in terms of sound. As a result of these visits and lengthy discussions a revised pre-production and performance schedule has emerged, including the likelihood of Synesthesia Urbania being performed in association with Resfest Korea. Toy Satellite will commence pre-production in Seoul from 10 November, perform Synesthesia Urbania towards the end of Resfest and participate in a post-production forum and workshops up till 22 November.
My ongoing research into Korea's traditional forms of music, specifically that of Sinawe, bore some interesting findings. In short, little is known of Sinawe in mainstream Korean culture and even less so in ours. It was suggested on several occasions that I should write of my experiences. Such a project would take place during a residency, suggested by the Australia Korea Foundation, who encouraged me to apply via ASIALink in Australia.
Unexpected outcomes included preliminary discussions with Austrade about support for an Australian Korean new media arts fare, incorporating both sound and screen works; the impromptu recording workshop and the products that may result from this; extensive music exchange and meetings with Korea's pioneer electronic performance and recording artists; tour of the remarkable TISPEN recording facilities and invitation to use the 12 channel matrix sound system available in their theatre, very much under-utlised; in-depth discussions about Korean "traditional" culture and shamanistic practice with a anthropologist supported by the Korea Foundation, and an unexpected cafe meeting with 80 year old Jhongman Rhee, official translator for the US Military during the Korean war.
19 Aug 2005
