Thesis
AFTER THE DUST UNSETTLES
Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Washington State University
2026
Abstract
After the Dust Unsettles encourages reflection in an era of geopolitical polarization. Sound-based psychological warfare between North and South Korea started during the Korean War (1950-1953) continuing intermittently until a recent mutual pause in 2025. Re-interpreting this history as a musical score, the installation defines this current situation as a fermata; a symbol of musical notation referencing an indefinite pause, often appearing prior to the end of a movement. A fermata produces suspense while portending change.Representing the fermata, the gallery audio track utilizes selected Korean onsite nature field recordings that backgrounds both the installation space and the headphones track. Within the headphones track, archival propaganda broadcasts from both nations interrupt an intimate recording of two separated sisters attempting to reunite following the chaos of the Korean War. Through spatial and acoustic design elements the installation invites participants to experience a fermata for themselves.
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Details
- Title
- AFTER THE DUST UNSETTLES
- Creators
- Kahyun Uhm
- Contributors
- Michael Holloman (Advisor)Reza Safavi (Committee Member)David Janssen (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Fine Arts
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 32
- Identifiers
- 99901393806301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis