by Arlene Tucker

I’m excited to tell Scribblers about Translation is Dialogue!

Translation is Dialogue (TID) is an ongoing project that was first presented in Iceland in May 2010.  Then it was installed at a conference in Tartu, Estonia in November 2010.  A total of 23 artists submitted their interpretations in Tartu which showcased a huge array of mediums from artists all over the world.  It was such an amazing experience to see people from all  around the world creating and collaborating!  The most recent TID event was in Finland in June 2011 as part of the SHuSH Collective Helsinki workshop.  Now TID is coming to Brooklyn for a full installation of Phase 2: Make it Translate!

This is an image from the Baile: Yorukong Palenke series created for TID by Nathan Williams. Title: Baile (19-21) Medium: mixed media collage

TID goes like this:  I picked a song and gave it to Alejandra Pineda Silva, a dancer and semiotician.  She then choreographed a dance performance on the basis of this song. Recordings of Alejandra describing her envisioned dance was then sent to various artists worldwide.  Their participation in the next stage of translation was to create something on the basis of her description.  Now, not only is there the translation of the musician’s intent to sound, sound to recording, recording to ears, Alejandra’s ears to thoughts, thoughts to voice, voice to MP3, these artists have created an entirely new extension of melody, meaning, and purpose with their interpretation.  In essence, from thought to matter, the continuity of mind is forever transforming as the viewers reinterpret their surroundings and make them a part of their history.  Just as Alejandra wasn’t limited, these translators weren’t restricted to any medium either.

The idea is to “do” and not think so much! By doing, we build momentum and in this case, a continuous transformation. I’d love for you to get involved! Click here to learn how to participate. TID is for all ages, so just pick up that crayon, paintball, or whatever is closest to you and begin your interpretation!

If you are in New York City this weekend, I warmly invite you to a full installation of Translation is Dialogue at the Brooklyn Navy Yards.

When: Friday, July 29th from 6-9pm is the TID workshop
Saturday, July 30th from 5-9pm is the SHOW!

Where: Freeform + Deform (http://freeformdeform.com)
20 Grand Ave, Loft 607 (between Park Ave. and Flushing Ave.)
Brooklyn, New York 11205

Thank you, Chief Scribbler for your interpretation, ‘Wavos.’  I can’t wait to see how Wavos will transform.  To think, this came from your imagination while listening to Alejandra’s description is so fascinating to me!  We don’t always have an explanation, but we can try to express ourselves. I have to say, the best part of this project is seeing how unique each one of us is.

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