Palaver

by Robin Dennis

Project Description

As you walk down the street, ride the bus, or even go shopping, you are constantly surrounded by conversation. This piece looks at those conversations through observing yourself as part the whole city.

Title...

The word 'Palaver' is defined as...

–noun

1. a conference or discussion.

2. a long parley, esp. one between primitive natives and European traders, explorers, colonial officials, etc.

3. profuse and idle talk; chatter.

4. persuasive talk; flattery; cajolery.

–verb (used without object) 5. to talk profusely and idly.

6. to parley or confer.

–verb (used with object)

7. to cajole or persuade.

This was an appropriate title for my project because the whole basis of my original idea was just this mixture of conversation and just how it all blends into the shape of the city.

Project Definition...

I guess my project would be considered a hybrid of mapping and probing. The audio mixture that I created mapped the social aspect of the city, while the final probes around and trys to get you to think about the space you are in.

Connection with Mobil Technology...

My idea was sort of to reverse the use of the technology in a way. Sure you are still listening on an Ipod, but instead of talking on a phone, you are listening to other's conversations. The Ipod is being used because it is the best way to remove you from your surroundings and really think about the piece.

The Urban Landscape...

This piece directly relates to the urban landscape because it is reflecting upon events in the city. All of the collected audio samples other than music were collected from people on the street, riding busses, and in homes. They are all part of the city and I really wanted to express that in my piece.

New Perspectives...

I really hope that my piece makes you rethink your place in the city, or even for the most part, makes you look at those around you differently.

Location

My piece is taking place while traveling down Columbus Street and ending up in Union Square.

Tour Route

Research

Audio Files will soon be available...as well as the narrative script, specific audio samples, and other goodies.

Link to the audio piece:

Link

Link to the PDF file:

Link