A collaborative artist's book of musical scores based on Norwegian
knitting patterns
For Identity Pitches, artists Cory Arcangel (born 1978) and Stine
Janvin (born 1985) have composed conceptual music scores based on the
knitting patterns for traditional Norwegian sweaters known as Lusekofte.
Utilizing three of the most popular designs (Setesdal, Fana and the
eight-petal rose of Selbu) of this ubiquitous garment, Janvin creates
scores for both solo and ensemble performers by mapping the knitting
patterns onto the harmonic and subharmonic series and integrating the
tuning principles of traditional Norwegian instruments. These scores are
further manipulated by Arcangel using a custom "deep-fried" coding
script to create a series of image glitches.
A foreword and an interview between the two artists, both based in
Stavanger, Norway, provide context for the work, delving into the
history of Norwegian folk music tunings and the Lusekofte sweater and
their intersection with the cultural identity of the country over the
last millennium.