Pauline Oliveros’ sound, poetry and meditation: electronics and mixed-art performance

Abstract

This article delves into the interplay between sound, poetry, and meditation within electronic performance, from the point of view of the intermedia studies. Highlighting a transformative impact, it traces the historical evolution of sound technologies in mixed-art practices, such as Pauline Oliveros’ Deep Listening approach, which also illustrates a shift towards participatory and immersive experiences. Her work, integrating electronic sound manipulation with meditative and poetic elements, serves as a cornerstone for exploring the tensions and correlations between electronic mediation and lived experiences, while questioning the benefits of an augmented humanity. The analysis of Oliveros’ contributions including poetry and meditation shows how they foster a deeper connection to the otherness, and enhance human creativity and awareness. Investigating the dynamic relationship between technology and textuality, the idea of technotext is introduced to underscore the role of combined electronic sound, poetry, and meditation in challenging conventional artistic boundaries, but also in promoting a holistic approach to creativity and community engagement.