URGENT UPDATE: Installation artist and composer Raven Chacon captivated audiences on February 5, 2023, at UC Davis during a pivotal public lecture hosted by The California Studio: Manetti Shrem Artist Residencies. Chacon, a groundbreaking figure from Fort Defiance, Navajo Nation, shared insights into his influential body of work, reflecting on over two decades of artistic innovation.
Chacon’s talk comes at a critical moment as he continues to gain recognition, having received the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Music and the 2023 MacArthur Fellowship. His lecture was not just a retrospective; it was an urgent call to reflect on the intersection of art, culture, and history.
During his address, Chacon introduced his seminal piece, “Field Recordings” (1999), an exploration of silence in natural settings. “I wanted to think about how the process of recording can be something that’s anthropological,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of capturing the quiet of the Southwestern landscapes, elevating near-silent audio to bring attention to overlooked environments.
In a striking commentary on cultural representation, Chacon discussed “Report” (2001), a composition for guns that challenges traditional notions of musical instrumentation. “The piece is not explicitly pro- or anti-gun,” he stated, highlighting how the sound of gunfire resonates with the land it occupies.
Chacon’s work extends beyond music into large-scale installations, notably the “Repellent Fence” (2015), which critiques the U.S.-Mexico border politics. The installation features oversized balloons designed to provoke thought about cultural barriers. “If a 10-inch balloon could scare away pigeons, then maybe a 10-foot balloon could ward off western civilization,” he remarked, showcasing the audacity of his artistic vision.
His Pulitzer-winning composition, “Voiceless Mass,” was also a focal point of the talk. Initially hesitant to compose for a Thanksgiving performance in a Catholic cathedral, Chacon transformed this opportunity into a poignant exploration of Indigenous culture and loss. “This piece was never meant to be accusatory,” he noted. “It was meant to bring this history to light.”
Looking ahead, Chacon shared details about his ambitious project, “Tiguex” (2025), a monumental score for the city of Albuquerque. Planned to feature over 200 musicians, the performance aims to celebrate the city’s Indigenous heritage and will incorporate diverse artistic elements such as mariachi bands and hot air balloons.
On February 6, 2023, Chacon’s work “American Ledger No. 1” (2018) was performed by UC Davis music students, echoing the themes of conflict and resolution that resonate throughout his career. The piece blends traditional instruments with unconventional sounds, creating a sonic narrative of America’s historical complexities.
Chacon’s words echo a profound sentiment: “Music is the things we don’t know how to speak about.” His work invites audiences to engage with the unspoken, connecting them deeply to their cultural histories and the landscapes that shape them.
As the art world continues to evolve, Raven Chacon stands at the forefront, urging us to reflect on our past while envisioning a more inclusive future. Keep an eye on his upcoming projects, as they promise to challenge and inspire on unprecedented levels.
