Introducing new works by Nathan McNinch and by Joshua Bonnetta, in conjunction with two pieces released in 1976 by Joan La Barbara, the artworks in Sans Song investigate the tools and instruments of vocal sonic production and reception.

In 1976, during a time when she was the leading practitioner of ‘extended vocal techniques’, American singer, Joan La Barbara released the album Voice is the Original Instrument. Sans Song will feature two of the tracks from this important work: Circular Song and Voice Piece: One-Note Internal Resonance Investigation. These works elaborate a on physical and dynamic space by dealing with breath and various articulations of one single pitch respectively.

This combination of vocal works from the 1970s with contemporary sonic and kinetic sculptures allows for an investigation of form and physicality through the exploration of resonance, breath and corporeality in vocal production and reception.

Sans Song is curated by Jenny Walton, a candidate to the Masters Degree in Critical and Curatorial Studies at The University of British Columbia.