Text / A timeless silence.

“The ignorant eschew phenomena but not thought; the wise eschew thought but not phenomena.”
Huang Po.
 
Time exists as a measurement between subjectively experienced events, with perceived durations varying according to the activity we are engaged in and its accompanying mental state.

In relation to creative artworks, this paper will argue that through linking the physical body with a sustained mental focus, either on the production of sound, and/or on the sustaining of a simple physical movement, a non subject/object state 1 can be entered into. In this state, subjective assessment of phenomena is suspended, leading to a ‘timeless silence’, as in this condition reflexive observation of the space between noted events is essentially absent.

It will be further argued that a transcendence of time achieved in this manner equates to a transcendence of ego. In this context creative work conceived with this ‘timeless silent’ state as its aim also seeks to confront a concept-slaved engagement with personal/cultural objects and labels, problematising an ego constrained “tyranny of reason” and personal aesthetic.

This paper will initially discuss how these ideas are explored through the author’s research into Zen musical performance practices in Japan, before investigating how they inform and influence his current arts practice which is transitioning from a music/sonic arts base into physical performance works.