In “Experiments with Sound: Elements of Sound and Social Practices,” Lasch introduces the theme of sound as an art-form. According to Tate Modern, sound art is art uses sound both as its medium (what it is made out of) and as its subject (what it is about). When I think about art, I usually think of something that can be looked at. It never occurred to me that I can listen to art, which sparked my interest in how sound art differs from traditional art. From normal noises like humming traffic to sounds made by instruments or human voice, all sorts of different noises are used in sound art. Sound art is sometimes experienced live through a performance, or it can be listened to as a recording through speakers or headphones. Because sounds do not need to have a special room to keep them safe in, like some other types of art, sound art can be put and listened to just about anywhere. Additionally, when encountering an object-based work, the viewer has much more control over the experience. You can walk up to a painting to see its finer details; every so often, you’re even allowed to touch a sculpture to appreciate its full materiality. If you don’t like what you see, you can just close your eyes—but there’s no way to close your ears naturally. As a result, sound art is an undoubtedly powerful medium.
