Experience 'Rhythm Song' Feb. 7
From an idea born of discussion about Ohio University's College of Fine Arts students' senior shows comes Rhythm Song, a collaboration of music, art and dancing held together to further the understanding of art.
Joe Faraone, a College of Fine Arts student majoring in music education, came up with the idea of combining several artforms into one show.
"Mary (Ludeman) and I were sitting around talking about our senior shows -- how cool it would be to do them together -- you paint to what I play," Faraone says.
Though that conversation was several years ago, Faraone saw the opportunity to have the show funded fall quarter through the Provost's Undergraduate Research Award and the College of Fine Arts Dean's Undergraduate Creative Research Award.
"The awards allow me to commission artwork from various artists to further our vision," says Faraone. "It was the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together and get our idea funded."
"Rhythm Song," a marimba solo by Paul Smadbeck, is a minimalistic piece of music that forms the title and focus of the show.
James Davis, one of the featured artists in the program, created a piece from what he heard in the song. His oil painting doesn't have a title -- at least not one that can be put into words. The title comes from the notes of a line in "Rhythm Song," and is actually expressed in musical notation.
"I liken it to an exploration in space and form," Faraone says.
Faraone attended several dance shows to select a choreographer who would create a few dances to express the music through movement. He found Mallory Butcher, a dance major who choreographed for The Movement concert, which was a fall quarter School of Dance production.
Rhythm Song will begin with what can almost be considered an art exhibition. The works of several artists, three of whom were commissioned specifically for Rhythm Song, will be on display when the audience arrives.
After approximately 45 minutes of viewing the art, the musical portion of the show will begin, as will the choreographed part of the show.
However, the show doesn't end when the dance is over. There will be a discussion and reception following to reinforce the idea that art isn't just the product you see before you.
"It's actually the process of getting to what you see or listen to," says Faraone. "This show culminates in the expression of one idea seen through the eyes of various mediums."
"Rhythm Song -- A Collaborative Multimedia Performance and Exhibition" will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, in the School of Music's room 101 at 6 p.m. The artwork exhibition begins at 5:15 p.m. Admission is free.
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