Alexandra Bell
- Work
- Biography
My practice explores the intersection between culture, arts and science to confront entrenched ideologies and beliefs. Incorporating sound, music, moving image, sculpture, writing and performance, I create immersive experiences which challenge perceptions and stimulate empathy for the counterargument. I am concerned with 21st century “mauvais foi” (bad faith, Sartre), where we evade the responsibility of discovering and understanding ourselves and the consequences of our actions, failing to exercise integrity and autonomy in life choices.
Recent work explores the visualisation of sound and materiality of sound. I am fascinated with how sound and vibration can alter how we feel, perceive, react and even design our dreams. My work explores sound and materials as media which simulate empathy and create environments where we can safely encounter experiences to which we would not otherwise be exposed. I am also interested in the development of new instruments and brain interfaces for sound which open new lines of expression.
Recent work explores the visualisation of sound and materiality of sound. I am fascinated with how sound and vibration can alter how we feel, perceive, react and even design our dreams. My work explores sound and materials as media which simulate empathy and create environments where we can safely encounter experiences to which we would not otherwise be exposed. I am also interested in the development of new instruments and brain interfaces for sound which open new lines of expression.
I initially trained as a classical musician (RNCM), performing and composing internationally, before qualifying as a materials engineer (MSc, C.Eng). For many years I have worked in parallel as an engineer /business leader in the implantable medical device industry, whilst also working as a multimedia artist. I believe that my understanding of materials science elevates my creative practice and vice versa. During the pandemic I decided to return to study to formalise my interest in the sonic arts, and graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in 2023 (B.Des. Hons (1st Class, Chairman's Medal).
2023 work includes the ‘Materiality of Sound‘ installation, where participants explore different experiences of sound through materials & sculptures; ‘The Wave is not the Water’, a light, space & sound installation which visualises sound. Awards include the one hour sound walk “Treasure Hunt for the Imagination” (winner of the Leith School of Art Contemporary Art Practice Prize 2020, newcomer feature at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2021); the sound journey “Portal” (shortlisted for the HearSay International Audio Prize 2021, broadcast on Glasgow’s Radiophrenia and Soundthought Festivals 2021). Print and audio-visual media (2020-23) have been exhibited in The Royal Scottish Academy, Royal Botanical Gardens, Harbourmasters’ House in Dysart and Patriothall Galleries in Edinburgh.
2023 work includes the ‘Materiality of Sound‘ installation, where participants explore different experiences of sound through materials & sculptures; ‘The Wave is not the Water’, a light, space & sound installation which visualises sound. Awards include the one hour sound walk “Treasure Hunt for the Imagination” (winner of the Leith School of Art Contemporary Art Practice Prize 2020, newcomer feature at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2021); the sound journey “Portal” (shortlisted for the HearSay International Audio Prize 2021, broadcast on Glasgow’s Radiophrenia and Soundthought Festivals 2021). Print and audio-visual media (2020-23) have been exhibited in The Royal Scottish Academy, Royal Botanical Gardens, Harbourmasters’ House in Dysart and Patriothall Galleries in Edinburgh.
- Alexandra Bell
- Materiality of Sound 1
- Installation
- Alexandra Bell
- The Wave is Not the Water 1
- Installation
- Alexandra Bell
- The Wave is Not the Water 2
- Audio
- Alexandra Bell
- The Wave is Not the Water
- Video
- Alexandra Bell
- Mind Holiday
- Video
- Alexandra Bell
- The Wave is Not the Water 1
- Audio
- Alexandra Bell
- Viral 3
- Printmaking
- Alexandra Bell
- Bhavishi (That is to Come)
- Video
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