The dialectic, when expressed through music and art, represents a dynamic interplay between opposites, contradictions, and the synthesis of ideas that drive creativity forward. In what ways do artists and musicians engage with the tension between opposing forces in their work? Can the harmonisation of dissonant elements in a musical composition reflect broader societal or philosophical struggles? How do visual artists use contrasting elements—such as light and dark, form and chaos—to express deeper truths about human experience?

Different artistic forms embody the dialectic in unique ways. For example, in classical music, the juxtaposition of themes can serve as a dialogue between conflicting emotions or ideas, often resolving into a unified whole. Is this synthesis always harmonious, or does it sometimes leave space for unresolved tension? In modern art, abstraction often challenges traditional forms, raising questions about how contradictions in perception and meaning can coexist without clear resolution. Could the lack of resolution itself be the point of exploration in these works?

In film and theatre, narrative structure frequently plays out dialectical tensions between characters, ideas, or themes. How do these opposing forces drive the evolution of a story, and what does the resolution—or lack thereof—reveal about the nature of conflict and transformation? Similarly, performance art can engage with the dialectic through physical movement or symbolic actions, prompting audiences to consider how opposing forces are embodied and expressed through the human form.

How do different modes of artistic expression—whether in music, painting, or performance—illustrate the potential for synthesis between contrasting elements? To what extent does art challenge the notion of resolution, leaving open the question of whether synthesis is ever fully attainable? Could the dialectic in art reflect broader concerns about the nature of understanding itself, questioning whether true comprehension comes from reconciling opposites or embracing the ongoing tension between them?

In synthesising these ideas, we might ask: how do different art forms reflect the human tendency to seek resolution, even in the face of persistent contradiction? What do the methods artists use to express dialectical tensions tell us about the nature of creativity and the search for meaning?

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The LCB Depot Sound Exhibition in September 2024 is a celebration of audio-related art forms, including music, sound art, radio, and podcasts, focusing on both local and emerging talent from Leicester and beyond. The event showcases work by established sound artists and producers, as well as students from De Montfort University’s Music Technology course.

This episode of the Radio Lear Podcast features Eloïse Bertil, who is a podcast producer and sound creator. Eloïse shares her work Home sweet home, I guess, which is a reflection on the experience of living in shared accommodation in London.

Ross Clement is a Senior Lecturer at De Montfort University, who has created an AI-generated piece that creates an immersive and interactive experience based on AI-generated samples.

Shaun Robert is a music producer, with three tracks featured: Motion, Paradigm, Random.

One highlight of the exhibition is the Shortwave Collective’s “Edge of Transmission”, where visitors can borrow a radio and explore transmissions around the LCB Depot and Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Various workshops, gigs, and performances are scheduled throughout the event, spanning from August 30 to September 20, with venues like the Phoenix and The Exchange Bar hosting activities.

The event includes:

The exhibition invites musicians from Leicester to submit their tracks for a playlist and features artists like Dead Hand, Seth Guy, Lucy Dearlove, and many more. The event aims to immerse the audience in a creative, audio-centric experience across different forms and genres.

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In today’s fast-paced world, waiting for a parcel to be delivered to our homes has become a familiar experience. This waiting period, often filled with anticipation, offers a unique opportunity to pause and engage in a process of contemplation that is both integrated and holistic.

Rather than viewing the time spent waiting as a mere inconvenience, we can transform it into a valuable moment of reflection. This is not just about filling the time; it’s about embracing the space that waiting provides to reconnect with our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.

One way to approach this contemplative waiting is through mindfulness. As we wait, we can focus on our breath, the sounds around us, or the simple sensation of sitting or standing. This practice of being present can turn a potentially frustrating experience into a moment of calm and clarity. In these moments, we find ourselves more connected to the here and now, appreciating the stillness that waiting can offer.

Contemplative waiting also invites us to reflect on broader aspects of our lives. For example, the convenience of having goods delivered to our doorsteps can prompt feelings of gratitude. We might find ourselves thinking about the hard work of delivery drivers or the complex logistics that make such convenience possible. This reflection can deepen our appreciation for the small conveniences we often take for granted.

During this time, our minds may naturally drift to planning and prioritising. The unstructured nature of waiting allows us to mentally organise our day or week, considering the tasks ahead and how they align with our broader goals. This kind of reflection often leads to creative daydreaming, where we let our thoughts wander freely. Without the pressure to be immediately productive, new ideas or creative solutions to lingering problems might emerge.

The act of waiting also encourages deeper philosophical reflection. It’s a time when we might ponder the passage of time, the nature of anticipation, or the impact of consumer culture on our daily lives. These reflections can help us gain insights into our own behaviours and the broader societal patterns we are part of.

Emotionally, waiting can be a rich experience. We might feel excitement, impatience, or even frustration. Contemplative waiting allows us to connect with these emotions, exploring their triggers and considering how we react in similar situations in other areas of life. This emotional awareness is a key aspect of the holistic process of contemplative waiting, as it brings together our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.

As we wait for that anticipated parcel, we might also engage in visualisation and goal setting. Imagining the arrival of the parcel and what we will do with it can extend into visualising our broader aspirations and what we are striving to achieve. This practice can be highly motivational, reinforcing our personal or professional goals.

Finally, waiting can prompt reflections on the simplicity of life before the age of online shopping. We might find ourselves contemplating the value of simplicity, the pace of life, and how consumerism impacts our personal happiness. These reflections are integral to the holistic nature of contemplative waiting, as they invite us to consider the larger context of our lives and choices.

In this way, the act of waiting for a parcel becomes more than just a passive experience. It becomes an active process of contemplation, where we engage with our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings in a meaningful and integrated manner. Through this process, we transform waiting from a moment of impatience into an opportunity for inner growth and deeper understanding.

Coral Morphologic – Meridiem Suite

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