Notes on “The Invisible”, chapter three of “Sonic Agency” by Brandon LaBelle.
Research for Radio Project, title tbd … (beyond the face/rallyradio)
LaBelle discusses the complex dynamics of visibily, claiming that visibility is not a pure or objective position but a constant “negotation, a conflicting procedure.” In a constant mediation of our visibility we work out how to be seen and heard, or how to disappear, using our voice, gestures, media and objects that shape and modulate our position. Our dance with visibility forms an existential stress, where unknown forces affect our desires to be seen or unseen.
LaBelle proposes a turn towards to invisible to expand our agency. By focusing on the unseen, we may become receptive to the invisible forces that mediate our visibility, and we may discover forms of agency that utilises invisibility to our own advantage or that of others.
The ACOUSMATIC is the sonic invisible: the sound without a known source. The acousmatic realm forms an ethics for beyond the face, where we listen beyond the prejudice imposed through the visual realm. The acousmatic is a generative tool to undo the embedded or reactive impulses that support normalising structures.
LaBelle proposes a methodology of listening that foregos visibility to harness to potential of the invisible, that which may make clear the “psychis tensions of desire and meaning while providing a vehicle to elating to what lies beyond what we see… To oscillate as sounds do across multiple ways of knowing and sensing.”
Bla bla bla
LaBelle’s theories are technical in their use of language and terms, yet aim to unlearn the listening body to reopen to subjectivity.
Esotericism? The word “esoteric” is defined by oxforddictionaries.com as…
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest
The words of liberation for a few.
A few egoists defining themselves outside the normal tongue.
Or some erudites in fascination with their worlds.
The technical theory needs a few magic words to add to this pot of unlearning.