Conflict Revolution

Conflict Revolution consists of a 5:54 minute audio composition and a PDF file. Each object informs the other, and was collaged simultaneously. We do our work internally, inscrutably, and the resulting interaction is a fragmented glimpse.  

I interviewed four individuals who are transmasc or non-binary on the broad topic of conflict resolution. The recorded phone calls ranged in length from 40-50 minutes. These gentle conversations, some during nighttime walks or snowstorms, meandered through self-reflection; the resultant audio piece is a translation into a purposefully obscure artifact that marks the occurrence.  

That hidden performance, the space between the conversants – as well, the small amount of funds I was able to redistribute to support trans and non-binary people – through a small gesture, this is the “reconstruct” aspect of this project.  

I used Kai Cheng Thom’s presentation on social collapse, conflict resolution, and queer resiliency as inspiration – to generate conversations, to practice communication, to listen. I am disrupting the status quo by pointing to a private space but not inviting easy entry – this performance is not for a larger audience to access others’ thoughts. Not everything needs to be explained and understood to be respected. This is the crux of a new kind of conflict resolution. 

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Laurance Playford-Beaudet

Contemplation as an act of subversion; Laurance Playford-Beaudet focuses on that which is overlooked or unnoticed, looking at the spaces-in-between-things. Simple acts of listening turn into dialogue/discussion with the material at hand. Research assistant, program coordinator, collaborator, listener, sound artist: Laurance moved to Texada Island from Vancouver, where he graduated from Emily Carr University in New Media and Sound Arts. He is currently collaborating on bringing diverse arts to the qathet region. www.playford-beaudet.com