Dark Cloud

source: westernvinyl

In 1980 Rolf Julius’ pioneering work “Dike Line” was presented at the “Fϋr Augen Und Ohren” exhibition alongside work by John Cage, Nam June Paik, Bill Fontana, Milan Knizak, Harry Bertoia, and David Tudor. Since then Julius has created some of the most meaningful and moving works in the grey area between music and art, between sound and silence, slowly emerging as one of the most important and influential sound artists of our time. Whether using photographs, ink drawings, audio compositions, or subtle and sometimes almost hidden outdoor installations, Rolf Julius’ works serve as catalyst, increasing our awareness of the great beauty of the world that surrounds us.
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source: soundartarchivenet

Born in Wilhelmshaven, Germany in 1939, Julius studied art in Bremen and later in Berlin where he now lives. He became interested in the junction between music and visual art around 1975 and has been including electronics — both as tool and inspiration — in his work since the early 1980s. The artist cites several influences on the manner of his approach most notably the avant-garde composer John Cage who, in the early 1950s, challenged the traditions of classical music by embracing found sounds, chance effects, and the quality of silence in his compositions.Cage provided a base for experimental music that by the end of the 1970s produced the New Music generation which included, among others, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and La Monte Young. “In my music,” says Julius, “the instruments are very simple and small. Visually small — and the sound is small too. I am not really intent on expressing ideas in the form of music, but rather about receiving something which is already there.” Rolf Julius, from sound installation, Rolf Julius — Black (Red), 2000, photography: Rolf Julius The artist has participated in numerous international exhibitions, and his work has been featured at several American venues including InSite’94, San Diego/Tijuana, the Goethe House, New York (1996), and the Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh (1998). Julius has self-produced four CDs of recordings of past music installations which can be purchased over the Internet at Forced Exposure.