Experimental nominee

These forms, whilst appearing three dimensional, are each in fact a single line, made as a laser traces a path across light sensitive paper. The path of the laser is governed by a mirror that is vibrated with sound - deflecting the reflection. The forms are produced by sine waves increasing in amplitude. These are pure tones - notes that contain only one frequency or pitch. All sounds can be expressed as an addition of sine waves, and as such they can be considered as sound’s fundamental unit. From this perspective, when we make a noise, pronounce a phoneme, speak a word, or articulate a thought - we are rapidly producing selections of these forms. Imprinted onto air, they travel, unseen, in all directions, waiting to be decoded and understood.

Each image is a direct positive made on Multigrade, Resin Coated, Deluxe Gloss Photo Paper measuring 40 x 50cm.

Since graduating from Camberwell College of Art in 2014, Peter Vance (b. 1991) has exhibited work both nationally and internationally. His practice is focused on the various means by which information is transmitted, exploring this through the formulation of processes that translate or arrange information into new forms.

Whilst Artist in Residence at the Pilotenkueche International Art Program in Leipzig, Germany (2017), and later as Artist in Residence at the Print and Paper Museum in Tartu, Estonia (2018), his works centred on the theme of language. His research focused on photographic techniques to make the audible become visible and methodologies inspired by weaving to translate visual data into auditory experiences.

This year (2024) Vance’s work has been selected for Juniper Rag’s Vanguard exhibition and shortlisted for the Alpine Fellowship Visual Art Prize. In June, Vance’s new exhibition “Thought Forms” was featured at 571 Gallery, Reading’s leading artist-run space. The exhibition showcased audio-visual installation and experimental, analogue photography that explores the aesthetics of language and the thin boundary between abstraction and meaning. In September, his work was be exhibited at ImagoArs, Venice as part of the Yicca International Art Prize.