UPDATE: In a powerful public lecture on February 5, 2023, installation artist and composer Raven Chacon captivated audiences at UC Davis, sharing his innovative approaches to art and music that challenge conventional narratives. Chacon, hailed for his groundbreaking works and recently awarded the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Music, engaged participants with sharp insights and humor, making it clear why he is a leading voice in contemporary art.
Chacon, originally from Fort Defiance, Navajo Nation, has spent over two decades creating impactful art across various mediums. He dove into his artistic journey by revisiting his first piece, “Field Recordings” (1999), which emphasizes the significance of silence in natural settings. “I wanted to find a very quiet day, no wind, no people, and make a field recording of that place,” Chacon explained. This approach transforms near-silent tracks into powerful reflections on often overlooked landscapes.
The artist didn’t shy away from confrontation in his work. He showcased “Report” (2001), a composition for guns that challenges perceptions of weaponry. “In every gunshot, you can hear the echo of the valley,” Chacon stated, highlighting the duality of the piece that neither endorses nor condemns firearms but rather reflects on the unique relationship between sound and environment.
Chacon’s collaboration with the Indigenous collective Postcommodity brought forth the provocative installation “Repellent Fence” (2015), which critiques the US-Mexico border. “If a 10-inch balloon could scare away pigeons, then maybe a 10-foot balloon could ward off western civilization,” he quipped. The installation, a two-mile-long land art piece, contrasts starkly with the permanence of the border wall, emphasizing temporary, yet impactful, art.
His Pulitzer-winning work, “Voiceless Mass,” commissioned by Present Music in Milwaukee, was crafted to illuminate the loss of Indigenous languages and cultures. “This piece was never meant to be accusatory,” Chacon remarked, highlighting how it encourages dialogue about the church’s historical role in these narratives. This powerful composition, performed in a Catholic cathedral, delivers a haunting reminder of cultural erasure through its instrumentation, devoid of vocals.
Chacon’s ambitious upcoming project, “Tiguex” (2025), aims to engage the entire city of Albuquerque through music. He plans to involve over 200 musicians in a series of performances that reflect the Indigenous history of the area. “Tiguex is the Indigenous name for the area now occupied by Albuquerque,” he noted, showcasing his commitment to cultural representation through art.
On February 6, 2023, UC Davis music students performed Chacon’s piece “American Ledger No. 1” (2018), which musically narrates the conflicts surrounding America’s founding. Using traditional instruments alongside unique sound sources like coins and wood chopping, the composition captures a wide emotional spectrum, echoing Chacon’s belief that “music is the things we don’t know how to speak about.”
Raven Chacon’s work intertwines art, culture, and history, captivating audiences and igniting conversations about identity and representation. His innovative approach continues to resonate, making his public talk a pivotal moment for those seeking to understand the profound impact of contemporary art today.
Stay tuned for more updates on Chacon’s upcoming projects and exhibitions as he continues to redefine the boundaries of art and music.
