Listen with Your Eyes

I was attending an art show in Northport, AL, at the Kentuck Museum when I met a very interesting person. My wife and I were wandering around the art studios talking with various people, when I saw something very different. It was the artwork of Brian Evans that caught my eye. Immediately, I wanted to know, what were these brightly colored circles and squares, and how did he create them? They were abstract computer generated images that were modeled from music, using a mathematical formula created by composer/artist, Brian Evans.

I introduced myself and Brian was very willing to explain what his work was about and how he arrived at these exciting images. The problem was that I did not have a clue as to what he was talking about. I am very comfortable discussing artwork and am usually knowledgeable about various techniques used in the art world, but this guy was talking a lot of gibberish, or trigonometry, computer and musical lingo. I am not afraid to admit these are not exactly my forte. Nevertheless, the work was visually stimulating and I thought that it would be of interest to a wide variety of students and faculty of Judson.

I asked Brian if he would be interested in having an art exhibition at Judson College. He agreed, and two months later he arrived on campus ready to hang the show. I got to know Brian a little better while we hung the artwork. I had read his brochures and wondered how this person with a doctorate in musical composition ended up making artwork? He explained that he had tried several jobs in the music field from teaching at Vanderbilt, to writing songs in Nashville, to singing with a Jazz Band in Los Angeles. He also explained that he had a minor in computers and had always been interested in art throughout his college career.

So this computer/ musician began experimenting with visual representations of music. He used his high school math skills to write a computer program to express music as numbers. This is not the usual approach in creating art. But then Brian Evans is not your normal artist. (Is there such a thing as a normal artist?) In fact, he says that he has no fundamental skills or background in the field of visual arts. I do not think that everyone has to have formal training to be an “artist”, but you do need to be creative and motivated. Brian posses both of these traits. He doesn’t call himself an artist and is more comfortable being referred to as a musical composer. Since he has such a diverse background in music, I asked Brian what kind of music he listens to for personal pleasure? He replied, “ none really. I haven’t even hooked up my stereo since I moved to Tuscaloosa ”(which has been two years). I asked, "Do you listen to the radio when you're driving?" He said, “ No, I usually do my best thinking while in the car.” He said that it is difficult for him to leisurely listen to music without critiquing it. I listen to music all the time and find it helpful while trying to be creative, but I don’t worry about analyzing it. My mind wanders while listening to music but I guess it has the opposite effect on Brian.

It was four o’clock and the show was ready. Tucker Gallery looked great with the unique artwork on the walls. The crowd of students and faculty poured in to contemplate the artwork and maybe have a snack. I was glad to see many students ask Brian to explain his process. Physics assistant professor Curtis Meisenheimer and math professor Ray Price were among a handful of people who actually understood the complex procedure.

Overall, I heard mostly positive comments about the opening and artwork. The beautiful piano music provided by music students and delicious refreshments provided by my wife, Eloise, gave the exhibition a pleasant atmosphere. I was very pleased with the exhibition and interest that the students showed. Whether they came for bonus points, the food, or a little bit of culture, I was glad to see them attend. Whether they loved or hated the artwork, I hope they were forced to think about what art is, and how it relates to themselves.

Brian Evans is also currently showing at the Kentuck Gallery in Northport, AL. All of his work is for sale. You can contact Brian at brian@lightspace.com or by phone at 205-750-0129.

Brian Evans Art Exhibition November 11 - December 11, 1998 Tucker Gallery, Judson College Marion, Alabama