The Substation/​ Vijay Thillaimuthu/​ 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 outof 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

ELECTRIC DREAMS: WORKSHOP WITH VIJAY THILLAIMUTHU

Are you interested in electronic music? Have you always wanted to get ‘hands on’ with synthesisers? Are you a creative looking to refine your setup for live performance or studio composition? This is for you!

Synthesisers, drum machines and FX units have literally changed the very fabric of society, from the abstract utopian visions of early electronic composers to the 808 driven cultural revolutions of rave culture, early hip-hop (& so, so much more).

All Artists welcome, spaces limited.

Due to the historical significance of the archives for the South Asian community, participants from South Asian diaspora are strongly encouraged to apply and will be prioritised.

This workshop is free. Fill out the expression of interest form here

CONTENT WARNINGS

This event contains sudden loud noises and is presented in low lighting.

ACCESS

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.