Professor Housefield continually revisits the theme of music and design, specifically the interaction and conversation between the two. Some examples from class include Lady Gaga and Yoko Oko's performance as an example of conversation through design and Cab Calloway's music paired with Betty Boop cartoons. Since music is a purely aural function, it relies on visual communication to stimulate the listeners visual senses. Artists accomplish this through music videos, album covers, and stage design at live performances.
Lady Gaga's "Monster Ball" photo via hauteandthecity.com
Both design and music are very emotional practices and the combination of them is even more powerful for the audience. The goal of any performer is to give the audience the best, most enjoyable experience they can. One of the most effective ways to do this is through stage/concert design. Artists like Lady Gaga spend nearly all of the money earned from their concert on elaborate set designs to transport the audience to another universe for a few hours.
Runaway Nurse by Richard Prince
At Paul McCartney's Los Angeles Performance this year, he accompanied his famous tune, "Paperback Writer," with images of Richard Prince's nurse paintings, which are based on the covers for pulp fiction paperbacks. The vibrant colors of Prince's paintings and the sexually-charged subject matter enhanced McCartney's energetic performance. The macabre tone of the paintings juxtaposed the upbeat feel of "Paperback Writer." The overall effect was one of excitement and chaos.
The marriage of visual communication and music has been around for as long as the two art forms have existed, but their relationship is constantly evolving with changing technology.
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