The Substation/ Artist/Vijay Thillaimuthu/
Vijay Thillaimuthu is a Tamil-Australian audio-visual and laser artist informed by the rich history of analogue sound synthesis. Often performing under the moniker Xenosine, he creates unique immersive environments that can be experienced across different sensual distinctions based on synergistic approaches with technology. This is largely enabled through the open ended
architecture of modular synthesisers and node-based programming languages.
Electromagnetic phenomena has always been at the centre of Vijay Thillaimuthu’s practice. Whether fascinated by the discovery of self generating tones through signal feedback, or the realisation that voltage could deflect and guide rays of light in analogue monitors and laser
display systems. The driving force has always been the joyful exploration of electricity as well as the visceral, transcendental experiences it could produce in expression as sound, vibration and light.
Vijay has collaborated with Robin Fox and performed alongside Suzanne Ciani, Keith Fullerton Whitman, Richard Devine, AtomTM and Dasha Rush. Amongst a range of diverse outcomes, Vijay Thillaimuthu has presented work for Unsound, the Melbourne International Film Festival, Liquid Architecture, Brisbane Powerhouse, Red Bull Music Festival, The Banff Centre - Canada,
Subliminal Impulse - Manchester, Zürich University of the Arts, Paiknam Concert Hall - Seoul and the Tokyo Festival of Modular.
Image: Kat Fogarty
Related/
Performance
Oblation
Encounter the infinite in this new audiovisual experience. Created by Tamil-Australian electronic composer, Vijay Thillaimuthu, Oblation draws on chanting practices and explores the relationship between vibration and geometry, mantra and mandala.
Presented by The Substation, Asia TOPA, Arts Centre Melbourne
Informed by the rich history of sound creation, Oblation incorporates creative technologies with traditional melodies and rhythms from South India and Sri Lanka. Featuring singing, lasers, projections, and vibrations, Oblation is an evocative sonic and visual world premiere.
Oblation creates a restorative and transformative space through visualisation of sonic performance using lasers, projections and cymatics – the patterns that emerge through response of particles/liquids to sound. Underneath a large-scale three dimensional projection surface, an expansive web of electronics form a central tower in service of creation and contemplation.
The tower is performed in collaboration with Hari Sivanesan’s Carnatic music ensemble, the traditional music of South India and Sri Lanka. The work elicits the birth of the universe through embryonic shapes and chanting practices. It considers form developing out of the formless, and explores the correlation between vibration and geometry, mantra and mandala. Forging connection through (and despite) sacrifice, together we encounter the infinite, developing a throughline from the ancient to the emergent.
PERFORMERS AND COLLABORATORS
Vijay Thillaimuthu - Light & Sound Synthesis
Hari Sivanesan - Vocals, Veena
Narthana Kanagasabai - Vocals, Violin
Pirashanna Thevarajah - Vocals, Ghatam, Mridangam, Kanjira, Morsing
Nandita Chandran - Vocals, Veena
Alex Nguyen - Lighting Designer
CONTENT WARNINGS
This event contains flashing lights, haze, lasers, and sustained loud noises. This event will be presented in low lighting.
ACCESS
This is a standing performance, limited seating will be available.
This event is wheelchair accessible and gender neutral accessible toilets are available. Registered assistance animals are welcome.
Asia TOPA is a joint initiative of Arts Centre Melbourne and the Sidney Myer Fund, is supported by the Australian and Victorian Governments through Creative Victoria, Playking Foundation and the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
This work has been supported by the RISING: Call to Artists and Art House: Culture Lab programs.
