Guest PhD Student on Episode 2 of the In One Ear podcast
Exploring the creative leeway and construction of artistic identity of a non-native musician with traditional instruments within the riptides of cultural appropriation discussion
Through artistic experimentation, Maarika Autio’s doctoral research Approcreations (to “approcreate” = “appropriate” + “create”, term by the author) explores the creative freedom of a non-native musician with a traditional instrument and the construction of their artistic identity within the crossfire of cultural appropriation discourse. The research setup exposes the researcher’s art and persona to potential criticism, allowing for the observation of a sociocultural phenomenon for the benefit of a wider readership.
After receiving traditional apprenticeship training in West African diatonic balafon, Maarika has learned that the ethnic mismatch between the artist and their creative tools causes hesitation in music venues. What can a privileged musician from the Global North do with a cultural artefact from the Third World? And how does the pursuit of exoticism affect the way we experience art?
This podcast consists of an original composition performed live without pre-recorded elements, except for a momentary metronome timer needed to synchronize the following loops. Respecting the storytelling traditions of the diatonic balafon, the whole forms a narrative musical experience in which storytelling is combined with live music. Musically, the style evolves from traditional vibes to creative experiments using modern technology and live audio effects.
Unusual approaches to the balafon offer insights into the rules of good conduct in the use of cultural elements in contemporary performing arts. Approcreations-research yields relevant information for artists inspired by cultural sources, as well as for audiences who, amid volatile media debates, find themselves unsure whether to clap or condemn.
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