Alarms, Bells, Buzz, and Birds: Soundscapes, Awareness, and Healing in Japan

Sammanfattning: LUND UNIVERSITY Division of Art History and Visual Studies Master of Arts in Visual Culture Alarms, Bells, Buzz and Birds: Soundscapes, Awareness, and Healing in Japan by Marty Miller Abstract: Studies in the Visual Culture field reveal the impact of images in shaping perceptions of ourselves, yet also in relationship to what is labeled as 'other.' However, the use of sounds to create or assist in the creation of these experiences is a field that begs further investigation. Thus, this thesis holds of utmost importance the ability of sound to influence perception of ones surroundings, as well as to facilitate an awareness of body and mind. A motivation for the creation of this awareness is the need to connect with nature, with ourselves, and with each other. While investigating ways in which sound can interact with visual sensory input to produce a state of awareness of one's surroundings, contemporary conceptions of nature, time, and space will be brought into question through an examination of philosophies, spiritual, and creative traditions of Japanese culture. Urban Tokyo, Japan serves as a functional setting for this paper due to a cultural heritage of creative and spiritual use of sound in the creation of an awareness of natural processes, seemingly outside the realm of human interference. However, the events of March 11, 2011 have also allowed for an in-depth analysis of how sound and color could be used to connect local inhabitants with the activities of the natural world around them. Through personally experiencing these incidents, a particular motivation arises to not only reconceptualize traditional categorizations between sound and vision, but also to seek new methods of applying a renewed awareness of natural-processes towards a therapeutic recovery. This is examined through the role of the arts, and opens the door to further creative action for the use of audio-visual stimuli to assist in the reconnection with the earth, and with ourselves.