Time and Subjectivity

The purpose of this residency was to create an immersive experience that redefined common perceptions of the harp, its history, sound, and the people who play it. The month-long program included crafting installations, live performances, and workshops designed to engage participants both visually and sonically. The above image was from the opening Night, visitors were drawn into a darkened space featuring Ahya Simone's harp and her film "Iridescence." This presentation included a live score about CHRONA, the Grandmother Clock of the cosmos, a mystical being who delights in manipulating time. Captivated by time's intricacies, CHRONA controls it at will, revealing herself whenever she chooses. At its core, the live performance focused on the fleeting and subjective nature of time. This concept was explored through music, the listener's experience, the musician's interpretation, and the harp's physicality, inviting viewers to contemplate time as a personal and spatial reflection.

See full residency images here

This installation below explores the harp in detail, inviting viewers to see it as more than just a musical instrument. It aims to capture the emotions evoked when playing the harp, emphasizing the rich range it can express.

In this piece, the harp is portrayed as a vessel for emotions, using the same sequence and color-coded strings (black, clear, and red monofilaments) as a traditional harp: C (red), D (clear), E (clear), F (black), G (clear), A (clear), B (clear). Each string resonates with unique sentiments, fostering a connection between the player and the instrument. The 'exploded view' concept provides a detailed look into the harp's structure, symbolizing life's complexities, filled with layers and connections.

Beyond its visual appeal, the artwork encourages both players and listeners to reflect. It serves as a pathway to introspection, focusing on the experience of a Black Trans life—beautiful yet complex. It invites them to embrace their vulnerabilities, understand their personal stories, and find their place in the continuum of time. This piece ultimately transforms playing and listening to the harp into a journey of self-discovery, guiding individuals through the nuances of their personal narratives within the broader context of existence.

From a perspective that embraces complexity and interdisciplinarity, the harp serves as a remarkable instrument for expressing both visual and sonic experiences. Its rich history and intricate design allow it to convey a wide range of emotions and narratives, creating a unique synthesis of auditory and visual art forms. The harp's ethereal soundscapes and elegant physical form provide a multifaceted medium through which artists can explore and communicate complex themes, bridging the sensory worlds of sight and sound.