between systems and grounds

between systems and grounds is an ongoing collaboration between composer Paula Matthusen and visual artist Olivia Valentine (RISD BFA 2002, Photography), drawing on a mutually developed practice combining textile construction and electronics in real-time. This durational performance includes the slow and deliberate practices of lace-making combined with spontaneous and responsive live-electronic music.

From 4:00-5:00 pm, this performance is free with museum admission. After 5:00 pm, the performance is free.
Drop in to this in-person performance. Seating will be provided. Throughout the performance visitors are invited to move about the gallery as they wish.

Presented by RISD’s Studio for Research in Sound & Technology with support from the Department of Digital + Media and the RISD Museum.

Paula Matthusen is a composer who writes both electroacoustic and acoustic music and realizes sound installations. Her work often considers discrepancies in musical space—real, imagined, and remembered. Matthusen is currently Professor of Music at Wesleyan University, where she teaches experimental music, composition, and music technology, and founded the Toneburst Laptop and Electronic Arts Ensemble.

Olivia Valentine is a visual artist working in textile construction, drawing, photography, and installation, as well as collaborative projects that span a variety of media and disciplines. Through her work she examines the edges and boundaries of spaces, often beginning with the close examination of fabrics and textiles. Olivia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Visual Culture at Iowa State University.