Mira Calix's latest project, absent origin, released under Warp Records, showcases her innovative approach to musical collage. This album consists of seventeen tracks, each dedicated to different collage artists throughout history, merging musical composition with visual art. In an interview with curator Yuval Etgar, Calix details her exploration into the intersection of music and collage, emphasizing the role of sound within the broader context of artistic expression.
Calix reveals that her journey into this album began years ago as she researched the history and theory of collage, inspired by Etgar's writings, particularly those in the exhibition catalogue Cut and Paste: 400 Years of Collage (2019) and his book The Ends of Collage (2017).
The conversation highlights the complexities of defining collage, especially when considering its relationship with music. Calix, who has long been fascinated by visual aspects of her work, began incorporating elements of other artists into her compositions. She explains that while sampling has a rich history, her use of the term 'collage' emphasizes a different methodology. Notably, her past works have been primarily focused on her own recorded materials, but with absent origin, she includes external influences from various artists, leading to unforeseen possibilities in her musical process.
Throughout their exchange, Calix and Etgar discuss how both visual and auditory collaging create a dialogue about identity, politics, and borders—a theme that resonates throughout the forthcoming album. Calix's references extend to historical figures like Eileen Gray and Hannah Höch, as well as more contemporary implications of collage in the digital age.
absent origin is available now here, providing listeners with a unique blend of auditory architecture and artistic homage.
For an in-depth look at Mira Calix's innovative work, visit her artist page and explore her discography on Warp Records here.