Elias Kokkoris

“My response to Sun Pool for bass and cello presents a continuous rise and fall triplet movement, giving us a sense of comfort, representing the familiar pattern of light reflecting water, while the off beaten melodic lines speak through as a representation of the grids of blue tile and white lines refracting through the surface of the water. Something I found fascinating about these works was the use of negative space to aid in the feeling of the sunlight’s reflection causing us to squint before this light which blinds us. To symbolise this I have used Sul Ponticello, creating a sharper tone quality while still presenting the continuous rise and fall. Experimenting with different string techniques such as sul ponticello (bowing on the bridge), sautille (hair of the bow on string but stick of bow bounces) and legato (smooth) bow strokes aim to reflect on Holly’s experimentation with the art’s physical qualities as well as her description; the strain in squinting is represented by harsh sul ponticello, the glowing warmth of a new sunburn is represented by legato bow strokes, the slick of wet hair and weight of humid air is represented by the E minor melodic line, the heat of the sun on the back of the neck has been represented by sautille bowing and a trail of light that follows the body in a walk along the Brisbane River is represented by the final harmonic chordal changes.”

– Elias Kokkoris

“As a response to Samuel Tupou’s work, Day at the Beach, this composition for string octet represents the feeling of moving closer and closer to the artwork. From a distance, the artwork presents a holiday advertisement, selling the bright sun and coastal beaches of Brisbane, a holiday destination like no other. Yet, as we move closer toward the work, we see the advertisement beginning to pixelate, distorting our original view. This movement has been represented by the first chord breaking way in semi tonal steps. Coming closer to the artwork, we come to understand that each pixel displays the Story Bridge, a symbol of industrialisation and the building on sacred land that was once untouched, now sold under the false pretence of welcoming comfort and sunshine. These pixels and images of the Story Bridge are represented in this response by a 12-tone row, losing a melodic tonal centre creates the sense of uneasiness, yet allows us to hold onto a familiar pattern as the supporting chords force dissonance. This then breaks away as we walk away from this artwork, still shimmering in the background as we come to our final chord.”

– Elias Kokkoris