"No Self Can Tell" by Laasonen Belgrano, E. and Price, M.D.

The research explores 'ornamenting' as a transferable method in inter-disciplinary studies, inter-faith dialogues and artistic/therapeutic practices. Adapting techniques of Renaissance musicology, the processes we have developed de-create and re-create vital connections. It is a communica-tions strategy for times of crisis. Starting with simple sonic relations we extend the method far be-yond its traditional musical setting. The practice utilises 'Nothingness' as a component of creativity, providing a novel response to figurations of nothingness as mere negation. Preliminary results sug-gest its potential as a counter force to nihilism and social dislocation. The work divides into four areas. 1. Primary research on relationships between sound, meaning, and the sense(s) of self, exploring how sense is made of Otherness via processes akin to musical praxis: consonance, dissonance, 'pure voice' and ornamentation. 2. To apply this new perspective to a range of exile experiences – mourning, social disconnection, ex-communication and aggres-sive 'Othering'. 3. To investigate the cancelling of normal time-conditions in crisis situations such as trauma, dementia, and mystical experience, relating non-linear temporality to creative practice and healing. 4. To widely disseminate our results and methods as contributions to the methodology of artistic research via journal articles, live workshops and performances, and a book of original, praxical, testable, and teach-able interventions.

beginning

This research exposition has been curated as part of the ongoing research project NO SELF CAN TELL (Laasonen Belgrano & Price 2019 - )

(Photographs: Laasonen Belgrano if not metioned otherwise)

fragments of sorrow longing desire madness love and more

A mon seul desire / Ornament 2 (Laasonen Belgrano & Price 2022)

Karelian Lamentation

(Emma Kuittinen 2020, Photo: Sini Suomi)

LAMENTS

Photo: Sini Suomi

Emmi has specialized in the lament tradition. Laments are a global phenomenon, that can be found throughout the world. The laments that are known nowadays in Finland are based on the Karelian and Ingrian traditions, since there are no historical lament traditions among Finns. Laments have been used to express feelings of sorrow, longing and separating, and sometimes even gratitude. Laments were performed in the most important rites of human life such as weddings, funerals or even when men were going to war or bring conscripted into the army. They were also a way to express sorrows and worries of everyday life. Emmi performs both traditional laments and songs, that she has made inspired by the Karelian and Ingrian laments.