CHARLEY FRIEDMAN

CHARLEY FRIEDMAN

  • EVERYTHING IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
    • GUN SHOW
  • EXHIBITIONS
    • Everson Museum of American Art: Soundtracks for the Present Future
    • Bemis Center for Contemporary Art: Soundtracks for the Present Future
    • Panopticon: A Collaboration with Nancy Fridemann-Sánchez 2020
    • Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: 2019
    • Ceró Galeria: two-person show with Lucas Ospina, Bogota Colombia: 2018
    • SUNY Stony Brook, two-person show with Nancy Friedeman-Sánchez: 2018
    • VSOP Projects: Greenport, New York: 2018
    • LUX Center for the Arts: 2017
    • Arts & Culture Center/Hollywood, FL, Miami FL: 2017
    • Museum of Nebraska Art: 2017
    • Omi International Art Center: 2016
    • The Fields at Art Omi: 2016
    • Gallery Diet: 2015
      • Installation Images
      • The Western Code
    • Neues Kunstforum, Köln Germany, two-person show with Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez: 2014
    • Gallery Diet: 2010
    • Gallery Diet: 2008
    • Barbara Mathes Gallery: 2007
    • Sheldon Museum of Art: 2007
    • White Columns: 2000
    • CRP: 1998
  • SCULPTURE-INSTALLATION
    • Gun Show
    • Menorah
    • Portrait of Alex Ross
    • Soundtracks for the Present Future
    • Unknown Pleasures
    • Magic Powers (vertical spew)
    • Self-Portrait
    • Magic Powers (45 degree spew)
    • The Talisman
    • Arrows
    • Tiny Talisman
    • ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
    • Science Project
    • Squirrel Gang
    • Squirrel Gang (Plasticine)
    • Ash Tray
    • Magic Powers
    • Special Powers
    • I LIKE MOIST THINGS
    • Big Red Ball
    • Fake Calder
    • Q-Tips
    • Carpet World
    • Gross Anatomy
    • Lobster Clock
    • Garden
    • Basic Information
    • nancy's tasty vagina
    • Big Eyes
    • Big Eyes II
    • Jellybean Piece
    • G-O-D
    • Cake Box
    • Soundproof Box
  • PHOTOGRAPH
  • PERFORMANCE
  • VIDEO
    • One Hours Smile: 1990, 2005, 2015
  • PAPER
    • HOLOCAUST DENIERS WORD SEARCH
    • HOLOCAUST DENIERS WORD SEARCH: Edition of 30
    • EVERTHING IS GOING TO BE OK
    • EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK: Edition of 45
    • Gross Anatomy/Anatomia Completa: Edition of 70
    • Ocean & Sea
    • vagina
    • The Western Code
    • Looking at The Sun
  • COMMISSION
    • Big Lake Park: 2014
  • WRITING
  • INTERVIEWS
  • CV
  • artist statement
  • links
  • contact
  • bibliography
  • catalogs
Soundtracks for the Present Future

Soundtracks for the Present Future is an immersive auditory installation that combines nearly 60 second-hand guitars, mandolins, and basses to create a singular instrument. Suspended from the ceiling in a constellation, the instruments form a labyrinth of sounds and vibrations that perpetually shifts as viewers navigate the work. Through computer software, the instruments “play” various compositions ranging from classical European music to new or recent compositions modified for this installation. By exploring the diverse styles, genres, and techniques of the medium, Friedman calls forth the imprint music can make. Music has the power to stimulate a spectrum of emotions and memories, which, in turn, can build human connection and empathy, and, at times, locate common ground. This work aims to both dissect and affirm one’s relationship to music as a catalyst and as an art form. Together, the instruments highlight the power and harmony of a collective voice, while never deafening the unique character of the lone guitar.


The installation loops through original pre-programmed compositions, creating an ever-changing soundscape with no concrete beginning or end. As the participant moves through the installation, certain notes take prominence based on their proximity to each instrument. This allows for a completely individualized and self-directed experience with the compositions, giving each individual the ability to affect the experience they have. No interaction is ever completely repeatable. Original compositions are by Greg Simon, Assistant Professor of Composition/Jazz Studies, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music; Tom Larson, Associate Professor of Composition/Digital Arts/Jazz Studies, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music; Nicholas Lemme, Composer; Jay Carlson, Composer; Dereck Higgins, Musician; and Jeremy Toussaint-Baptiste, Artist and Bemis Center Summer 2021 Sound Art + Experimental Music Artist-in-Residence.


charley friedman, copyright

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