Unlearning Realities – Reimagining Futures Symposium
Jaime Belmonte will present his research in the symposium organised by the LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore on the 5th-6th October 2023.
Title: "Unlearning Assumptions: An Indigenous Ontological Turn as a Catalyst for Decolonisation and Musical Creativity"
Abstract:
This presentation introduces a collaborative project undertaken by Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman, a Sámi musician and yoik artist, and Jaime Belmonte, a Western contemporary classical composer. The project explores the possibilities of coexistence and fruitful dialogue between yoik, an Indigenous musical form, and Western classical music while preserving their respective identities.
The collaboration involved a meticulous co-creation process that reimagined a postcolonial relationship between the two cultures and art forms. Through a profound study of yoik's musical, cultural, and spiritual essence, strategies were developed to challenge conventional norms in Western contemporary classical music.
This reconsideration of Western musical assumptions signifies an ontological turn towards Indigenous perspectives on music creation and sonic creativity, affirming their legitimacy and visibility as valid knowledge practices. Consequently, the collaborative project participants have redefined the relationship between Sámi yoik and Western music and their respective cultures. Moreover, innovative and divergent approaches to music creation have emerged due to questioning the limitations imposed by both musical languages.
The Indigenous ontological turn presented herein is a powerful tool for decolonisation and musical creativity. Furthermore, it holds great potential for educational contexts. To explore this potential, the project is being implemented in the Global Music department of the Sibelius Academy, engaging a group of students. The Indigenous ontological turn is utilised as a pedagogical tool to foster musical creativity and facilitate the decolonisation of music creation. Through this educational initiative, students have the opportunity to unlearn established paradigms and embrace new perspectives that challenge the hegemony of Western musical traditions.
