
SHABNAM PARVARESH
CLARINETIST, COMPOSER, CURATOR
WHITE FLAG
Live Music Performance, Composition and Video Installation by Shabnam Parvaresh
Fotos : Angela von Brill
"White Flag" Multimedia performance by Shabnam Parvaresh at GranRex Locarno, Switzerland
"White Flag" Multimedia performance at the GranRex, Locarno, Switzerland Bass Clarinet / SABRE / Improvisation and video installation: Shabnam Parvaresh "Project White Flag," created by Shabnam Parvaresh, is an innovative video installation combining visual art with sound, specifically featuring the bass clarinet and SABRE (a sound synthesis technology). This project explores themes of communication, abstraction, and the interplay between the visual and auditory. In this installation, the bass clarinet serves as a melodic and expressive element, providing a rich sonic landscape that complements the visual components of the work. The use of SABRE enhances the auditory experience by integrating sophisticated sound manipulations, allowing for real-time interactions between the performer and the installation. The video component features a dynamic interplay of visuals that respond to the music, creating a synesthetic experience where sound and imagery converge. Parvaresh's approach seeks to evoke emotional responses from the audience, inviting them to engage with the installation on multiple sensory levels. "Project White Flag" is not only a testament to the artistic potential of combining different mediums but also explores the concept of ‘flagging’—signifying signals of peace and recognition amid chaos. Through this immersive experience, Shabnam Parvaresh encourages viewers to reflect on themes of connection, communication, and the intricate relationships between sound, sight, and meaning. SABRE is a digital technology that bridges live performance and electronics, enabling performers to interact spontaneously with electronic elements during their acts. It comprises a sensor that connects to a computer via Bluetooth, measuring movements in three dimensions—pitch, roll, and yaw—as well as air pressure in the mouth cavity for wind players. A remote with two buttons allows real-time signal transmission. The accompanying software processes this data, facilitating live sound manipulation of instrumental sounds or sound files. Designed initially for clarinet and saxophone, the sensor can be adapted for other instruments and integrated into various art forms, including video, light, and dance. Notably, SABRE requires no specialized programming knowledge, allowing composers and performers to utilize it with minimal learning time.