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Work Type:performance
Date of work:2006
Measurements:duration: 5.25 min
 extent: live spoken introduction

duration: 22.03 min
 extent: J. Spaceman’s composition

Style Period:contemporary art
Subject:music, psychological experimentation, Victorian seance, Spiritualism
Technique:audio performance
Collection:Greenland Street
Description:
From inside a soundproof cabinet Forsyth and Pollard repeatedly perform a spoken phrase which has been embedded subliminally in a new instrumental commission specially written and performed by Jason Pierce of the band Spiritualized. Through this project the artists challenge established methods of communication, expression and performance to achieve an experience of shared extra-sensory perception.

The live performance deliberately references the 'spirit cabinet' seances of nineteenth century performers The Davenport Brothers, who would sit inside a sealed box with musical instruments at their feet. Although the brothers were bound, music would be heard playing from within, allegedly performed by spirits. It is no coincidence that the venue Forsyth and Pollard have chosen for the live event is St George's Hall in Liverpool, the same location where a near riot happened after one Davenport Brothers appearance when the performance was cancelled because the brothers had been bound 'too tightly'!

Silent Sound begins with the live performance at St George's Hall (to an invited audience) on 14th September, followed by an installation in The Blade Factory at Greenland Street. A limited edition CD of the performance is available.
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Source:"A Bulletin", Issue one, Greenland Street, Autumn 2006
Date of source:2006