Staging Inquiry

Abstract

This thesis explores the possible meaning of the concept staging inquiry through reflection on three compositions by the author, a theoretical part and reflections on artistic work from other composers. If understood in a wide sense, it’s possible to say that almost any artwork is an inquiry. In the case of staging inquiry, I’m referring to art works that are not just prompted by inquiry but that somehow displays, stages and performs an inquiry. In addition, the inquiry is something that lies outside of the medium and is intertwined as another layer of meaning and content that can overlap, merge and contrast the art work’s medial unfolding. It’s not about the art work’s attempt to understand it self, its conditions and materials, but about the art work as a site for a kind of philosophical inquiry.