Olivia Louvel - Sculptor (2020)

Olivia Louvel works at the intersection of creation and documentation, often taking existing texts as a point of departure. Following the tapestry of interwoven tales that was 'Data Regina' (2017), 'SculptOr' is her most geometric work, a suite of nine pieces, using the words of the sculptor to weave and create an aural edifice.

For a project inspired by British sculptor Barbara Hepworth, it is appropriate that hers should be the opening voice on the album. In ‘Use Your Own Body’ Hepworth’s voice is re-sculpted in the first moments until handing over her text to the voice of Louvel for the remainder of the compositions. The physicality of sculpture and concrète sound is present throughout the album.

Louvel’s practice is built upon a long-standing exploration of the voice, sung or spoken, and its manipulation through digital technology thus expanding the plastic dimension of voice. Working with the software AudioSculpt (IRCAM) Louvel is sculpting the voice directly on its graphical representation, applying principles of sculpture to Hepworth’s voice to manipulate its texture. As the infrastructure of the Pompidou centre was laid bare so Olivia’s scalpel exposes the shifting fabric and textures of the creative method.