Understanding Hangul—Musically

“Tacit” is far from how we would describe Korean audiovisual performance ensemble, Tacit Group. But it makes sense when we consider that their name is inspired by John Cage’s silent ingeniousness in his acclaimed work entitled 4’33”. Likewise, Tacit Group redefines their understanding of silence, and thus of sound, through their algorithmically based improvisations. And what better way to encompass their vision than audiovisually reinterpreting the static silence of written language?

Founded in early 2008, Tacit Group embodies a smart approach to contemporary art performance, incorporating dynamic disciplines like electro acoustic music, algorithmic composition, and visual art. Their digital tech foundation propels the group through various genres of performance from the audiovisual to interactive installation and even educational forums and courses. Using real-time projection mapping and computer graphics, Tacit Group revolutionizes the concept of sound and performance in Korea’s media art scene.

Tacit Group consists of three members: composer, media artist, and professor at Korea National University of Arts, Jang Jae-ho; media artist and the first Korean to be acclaimed in British techno, Lee Jin-won (or Lobster Foot); and the most recent member since last December, artist and digital music composer, Nam Sang-won (or N2). Together, the trio make for a well-balanced group as each contributes from his respective background—Jang in the realm of visual arts, Lee from techno music, and Nam from a classical and pop background. With the right tools and technology combined, Tacit Group unites into the ultimate improvisation in music and media expression.

Combining gaming and media art, Tacit Group reinvigorates the Korean written language, Hangul, in Hunmin Jeongak 2.0 (or Proper Music for the Instruction of the People 2.0) above. Basically, this onomatopoeic performance combines improvisational music with the shapes and sounds of Hangul. Six performers each equipped with their own computer keyboards, take the stage. When letters are typed, they are projected and paired with corresponding electronic sounds and projected on corresponding screens behind them. From simple consonants, simple words and sentences are built into a digital linguistic orchestration.