Sonoscopia

Phonopticon is a collective sound creation and representation model inspired by the architecture of the panopticon, a building designed by Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century that featured a central tower with a 360º view over the prisoner cells, which were laid out in a circle. Conceptually, however, the idea of control and power behind the panopticon are replaced by sound depictions that are free and abstract in their essence, and that have different meanings according to the different individual thought processes triggered in each listener.
Phonopticon is a performance that explores new ways of expression in the fields of electroacoustic composition, performance and spatialisation, resorting to the making of new acoustic and electronic instruments as a key element in the whole creative process. As far as the set goes, Phonopticon gather a series of sound sources (acoustic and electric instruments, as well as loudspeakers) at the centre, which can be seen by the entire audience and are concentrically laid out. In addition, the audience is encircled by a number of loudspeakers placed at the edge of the surrounding circle.


Sonoscopia is an association/platform that creates, produces and promotes artistic and educational projects. It mainly focusses on experimental, improvised and electroacoustic music, on sound exploration and research, and on their cross-disciplinary intersection with literature, dance, theatre and visual arts.