BEARSPACE is pleased to present Scordatura, a solo exhibition featuring the work of Liz K. Miller. In these works, Miller has created a new language to communicate musical scores resulting in the intricate etchings and prints presented in this exhibition. Scordatura is a musical term that refers to tuning of a stringed instrument that differs from the normal, standard tuning.

The premise for these works is the use of the repetitive motifs that occur in music in order to generate concentric patterns. The resulting imagery looks like it could have naturally occurred or grown, like constellation patterns or rings of a tree.

The circular scores that are created use radius to represent pitch and circumference to signify time. Repetitions are indicated by a retracing of the same motifs to create layers. Map making and cartography form the basis of Miller’s art practice. Using traditional printing techniques such as etching, lithography and screen-printing, the artist creates music maps that can be read and interpreted by musicians. The works also create a new way of visualising music for those who are untrained in the traditional linear scoring system.

Colour has a huge significance in Miller’s work, although the rules regarding its selection can change. In developing the score of Gabriel Fauré Madrigal, Miller mapped colours based on the selection of choir master Peter Bullett, who is synaethetic and sees key signatures in colour. The colour in this work maps the colours Peter experienced with each key change.

The artist works alongside musicians to produce a series of work that function beyond their form and bridge the gap between visual art and music.

Liz K. Miller studied at Edinburgh College of Art and University of the Arts London. She began a three-year print fellowship at the Royal Academy Schools in 2013. Miller recently undertook a residency at Spike Island in Bristol, UK. Her work is held in the Tate Print Collection and the British Library.