CHANEL Connects: Episode Summary – "The Power of Sound: Vicky Krieps, Andrea Mancini and Every Island"
Release Date: July 9, 2024
In this captivating episode of CHANEL Connects, host Yana Peel delves into the intricate relationship between sound and artistic expression with an engaging panel featuring internationally acclaimed actor Vicky Krieps, artist and musician Andrea Mancini, and Martina Genovese of Every Island Design Collective. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Conservatorio di Musica in Venice, the conversation explores how music serves as both a personal sanctuary and a professional tool for creativity.
Introduction to the Episode
Jana Peel opens the discussion by situating listeners within the vibrant atmosphere of the Venice Biennale, the world's premier contemporary art exhibition now celebrating its 60th edition. She introduces the guests and sets the thematic focus on the pivotal role of music in their respective practices.
Timestamp: [00:04] – [01:03]
The Personal and Professional Significance of Music for Vicky Krieps
Vicky Krieps shares her profound connection to music, highlighting its dual importance in her private life and professional career. She describes music as a "universal vehicle and energy" that offers comfort and a means to process emotions stemming from her roles as an actress.
"Music is the only force that can go through time and connect. It's just a universal vehicle and energy that can feel silence, it can feel heartache, it can transport you."
— Vicky Krieps [02:13]
Krieps elaborates on how playing the guitar serves as a ritual to transition from her characters back to her personal identity, allowing her to "let go of my control" and reconnect with herself after immersive performances.
"I consider myself almost like a scientist or experimentator... I have to let go of my control that I believe is an illusion anyway."
— Vicky Krieps [09:40]
Every Island’s Innovative Use of Sound in Art
Andrea Mancini and Martina Genovese discuss their collective, Every Island, emphasizing the transformative power of sound in their installations. They reveal how their exhibition at the Biennale fosters a dynamic and ever-evolving dialogue between artists and audiences through sound.
"What we wanted to play with was a six month temporality that is given by the Biennale and the fact that therefore the space will evolve with it."
— Andrea Mancini [06:43]
The collective invites four performative artists to reside within the pavilion, each contributing to a shared sound library that fuels collaborative performances, effectively turning the pavilion into a living, breathing entity that changes over time.
"The sound of the pavilion will change... with the pieces of the others."
— Andrea Mancini [07:51]
Collaboration and Collective Creativity
The conversation delves into the nuances of collaborative work. Andrea Mancini explains that working as a collective involves continuous self-exploration and compromise, leading to a "collective voice" that transcends individual expressions.
"It's not at all about putting down the expression of the individuality, but trying to find a collective voice."
— Andrea Mancini [17:16]
Vicky Krieps relates this to her acting, describing collaborations with directors as "confrontations" that foster creative friction, essential for authentic artistic creation.
"I have to let go of my control... what I'm saying is, maybe we are ready to accept that parts of this control... is an illusion."
— Vicky Krieps [10:12]
The Essence of Luxembourg and Its Influence
Both Vicky Krieps and Andrea Mancini reflect on their Luxembourgian roots, painting a vivid picture of the country's picturesque, medieval charm intertwined with a spirit of openness and cross-border collaboration.
"I think I grew up thinking I am European. I didn't even know that it's not the same for other people."
— Vicky Krieps [20:20]
Juliane Zeaver adds that Luxembourg's multicultural environment fosters a "cross border spirit," essential for their collective's diverse artistic endeavors.
"That's why I always say cross border spirit."
— Juliane Zeaver [20:38]
Artistic Challenges and Historical Perspectives
Discussing her role in the film "Corsage," Vicky Krieps touches upon the challenges of accurately portraying historical elements and the deliberate blurring of reality and fiction to provoke thought.
"It's to challenge your perspective of history... it's all relative. And that was the whole movie."
— Vicky Krieps [22:21]
Future of Art: Perspectives from the Panel
In examining the future of art, the guests share optimistic visions centered around multidisciplinary dialogue, local community engagement, and a return to art's emotional and authentic roots.
"Reconnecting with the local realities... there's so much hidden talent."
— Juliane Zeaver [24:45]
Vicky Krieps expresses hope that art will move away from capitalist constructs and return to its foundational emotional essence, driven by artists' intrinsic needs rather than commercial pressures.
"I believe that through people like me... we need to resist how art is perceived."
— Vicky Krieps [25:30]
Closing Reflections and Participant Contributions
The episode concludes with reflections from all participants on what excites them about the future of art. Additionally, CHANEL Connects shares insights from other Biennale attendees about the sounds and songs that best capture the essence of Venice, emphasizing the city's unique auditory landscape.
Notable Contributions:
- Andrea Mancini: "The sound that I think of when I think of Venice is a kind of collective groan when people realize that they're not on the guest list for something." [27:01]
- Alessandro Kugola: "The sound of water kind of lapping, obviously snipping canals... It's a very particular sound." [27:05]
Conclusion
This episode of CHANEL Connects masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes, artistic philosophies, and collaborative dynamics to illustrate the profound impact of sound on creative practices. By showcasing the innovative work of Vicky Krieps, Andrea Mancini, and Every Island, the podcast invites listeners to contemplate the evolving landscape of contemporary art and its future trajectory.
Listen to the full episode here.