juan carlos vasquez: collages

The "Collages" are an acclaimed series of experiments conducted by sound artist and composer Juan Carlos Vasquez to prove the digital capabilities of tone expansion in a single acoustic instrument. The technique consists in recording original performances of several works by celebrated composers from the past (for solo instruments), and reinventing the audio files by deconstructing the pieces as a collage, using different and complex kinds of digital audio processes to create a post-modern electroacoustic version of the classical piece. As a result, the usual acoustic instrument timber is expanded into deep and rich atmospheres using the entire range of frequencies. The collages series are also a sonic application of British painter J.M.W. Turner's technique of using layers of colors and textures to turn everyday landscapes into powerful and expressive oneiric fantasies. Past versions were possible thanks to commissions by the Westminster and Chelsea Hospital/Museum (UK) in partnership with Royal College of Music (UK), the Arts Council through the Wiltshire Museum (UK), Polish Artists in London "PAiL" (UK), the Hilltown New Music Festival (Ireland) and the FEast 2013.