I read with great interest so many of your pieces on autechre's
confield, but only today did I hear the disc.
I love it from beginning to end! To me it sounds like the confused
and overwhelmed mind in a time of uncertain technological progress,
replete with reflections and distortions from the journey, and traces
of ways to break out or break through. I can only be that general
about it right now. By no means would I always want to listen to
stuff like this, but sometimes! I sure would like to know how they
keep track of what they're doing on some of it - would they ever use
any kind of rhythm guide-track for example?
I've always felt art of value to me is that which communicates
something, stirs something within me. I'm sure all artists have some
expression of meaning in mind when they create, no matter if it's
conscious or unconscious. And I doubt many artists expect the same
response from everyone.
So, yes, a mounted toilet seat can be art (if it doesn't move you, it
might inspire movement, ha-ha). Just the fact that it is presented as
art asks us to look and think about it differently than when we're
sitting on one. Even if a toilet seat offends your sense of art,
there's a kind of artistic value in that.
I have often found that a little bit of help can be good when
appreciating art. A skilled art-critic can make you think about
context, and give you clues for appreciation. Being in touch with
some of the "de-constructive" music of late, and knowing all of
Autechre's work, I find it easy to have an open mind about where they
might go next. Had confield been played for me 10 years ago, I don't
know what I would have made of it :)
Martin
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