The Power of Sound as Art and Language

CINCINNATI, September 1, 2005 – Too often in the gallery setting, sound is given a secondary role. Sacred and Profane: A Collection of Sonic Art replaces the visual with the aural, with sonic arrangements that range from ambient and composition to playful and noise. The exhibition opens at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) on October 1 and runs through January 1, 2006.

The exhibition, curated by Detroit radio host Liz Copeland and record label manager Clark Warner, highlights artists involved with popular music groups such as Sonic Youth, Meat Beat Manifesto and the Cocteau Twins. The artists in the exhibition use sound alone as the material, using only simple listening stations and their effect on the visitor to make a unique imprint. By uniting several artists in one space, Sacred and Profane allows for play between varied approaches to sound and contemporary composition. Each artist works with diverse resources as both sampled and constructed works ranging from classical composition, free jazz, experimental electronics, and noise experimentation. The observer is left with a renewed realization of the power of sound as art and language.

The show features nine sound artists from across the globe including Jack Dangers, Warn Defever, Robin Guthrie, Richie Hawtin, Thurston Moore, Tadd Mullinix, DJ Olive, Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Mark Van Hoen.

Sacred and Profane is coordinated by Aaron Timlin with guest curators Liz Copeland and Clark Warner. This exhibition is based on an exhibition originated at the Detroit Artists Market, Detroit, Michigan.

Sacred and Profane Events- done CAC style

Friday, October 14, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Contemporary Friday - CAC’s happy-hour-meets-the-arts
Take off your headphones and hear sonic artists from the Sacred and Profane exhibition perform and talk about shaping their experimental music.

FOR MUSIC LOVERS - Free Monday Night Music
Monday October 3, 7-9 p.m.
Monday November 7, 7-9 p.m.
Monday December 5, 7-9 p.m.
Experimental musical artists react to the unique architecture of the CAC. There will be three performances each night including Prantershifter, Deuxeau [Duo], Burning Star Core, Lesniak.

About the Contemporary Arts Center
Founded in 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary women in Cincinnati, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the U.S. dedicated to exhibiting the art of our time. In May 2003, the Center relocated to its first free-standing home, the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, designed by Zaha Hadid. Throughout its distinguished 65-year history, the Center has earned a reputation for stimulating thought and introducing new ideas by presenting the work of diverse artists from around the world, including hundreds of now-famous artists such as Laurie Anderson, Jasper Johns, Louise Nevelson, Nam June Paik, I.M. Pei, Robert Rauschenberg, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol.

The CAC focuses on new developments in painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art and new media, presenting 8 to 12 exhibitions and 20 to 40 performances annually. Occupying the entire sixth floor of the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, the Sara M. & Patricia A. Vance Education Center: The UnMuseum® offers children and families opportunities to experience participatory works of art, including hands-on projects, school tours, after-school clubs, family days and other programs serving young people.

The CAC receives ongoing support from the Fine Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, City of Cincinnati, Delta Air Lines and AllOver Media.

For more information visit www.contemporaryartscenter.org.