Resonance in Dissonance: Noise and the Aesthetics of Auditory Abstraction

Abstract

“Dissonance,” “discordance,” and “cacophony” are among the countless negative connotations associated with noise in the fields of communication, musicology, and sound studies. In these contexts, noise is often perceived as an “interference” that needs to be mitigated and controlled. Similar biases exist in communications design, influenced partly by a historical preference for clarity, order, and coherence, coupled with the belief that noise diverges from conventional design principles. However, in this thesis, noise is presented as an event, a flux, a multisensory entity, and, most importantly, a form of emancipation from established artistic norms. This thesis aims to explore the vital role of abstract sonic noise in communication, considering how to craft more resonant and immersive experiences and unlock new possibilities for creativity and expression. To achieve this objective, the thesis surveys sound, philosophy, and communication studies, drawing upon the insights of esteemed philosophers and composers, including Jacques Attali, Salomé Voegelin, and Luigi Russolo. Additionally, it investigates historical and contemporary practices of incorporating noise in creative fields, such as music and audiovisual art. Through a synthesis of theoretical and practical experimentation, this thesis demonstrates the effectiveness of noise as a communicative and resonant medium.