Forms of luminosity

Gerig, Lauren Magnuson (2008) Forms of luminosity. MPhil(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Forms of Luminosity is an experimental music-based performance that brings private listening experiences into the public sphere for examination. My research focuses on the relationship between a person, his or her iPod, and the private listening experience thus created. This public-private listening experience was staged as a demonstration of how personal listening experiences contribute to identity development. My interest is in how the iPod and other purchasable commodities have influenced identity development in Western youth culture. Through examination of the relationship between the culture and their consumerism, I argue that identity is definable by substantially more than what we buy.
The performance of Forms of Luminosity functions as an experiment of multiple iterations based on the caveat that performances are all subjectively singular incidents, related specifically to the surrounding environment at that moment in time. As well as presenting a tableau of consumerism, control, isolationism, and identity (as they are associated with the iPod), the performance questions whether pre-existing music can be engaging and relevant to an audience.
My project uses bricolage and standpoint theory as guiding theoretical principles. A selection of instrumental, electro-acoustic, and popular music is included as a folio that best represents my personal standpoint as a composer.
The performance is deconstructed in order to examine both the successful and ineffective elements of this first experiment. Forms of Luminosity is a contribution to contemporary art and music as these are the types of ideas that are being addressed and created by composers, choreographers, and artists active in today’s society.

• Item Type: Thesis (MPhil(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: music composition, performance art, youth culture, popular culture, consumerism and the iPod, standpoint theory, bricolage
• Subjects: M Music and Books on Music > M Music
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Music
• Supervisor's Name: Stanley, Dr Jane
• Date of Award: 2008
• Depositing User: Ms Lauren Magnuson Gerig
• Unique ID: glathesis:2008-372
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 27 Nov 2008
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 13:18
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/372