The artistic research of Manuela Barile is based on a project-oriented work that combines vocal sounds with different media (video, photography, installations, performance, concert-performance, drawing, writing). It is born from a subtle and probing investigation around the little things of the daily life apparently petty and insignificant, that assume a feeling of “disclosure” and “necessity” trough the sensorial amplification to which are subjected during the creative process.
Through the use of a simple language, made of symbols and metaphors, the artist creates situations where everything is continually put in discussion, highlighting the underlying sense of humour and paradox, the pleasure of risk and especially the desire of having fun without taking herself too seriously.
The voice that is present often belongs to the artist, performed live or through pre-recorded vocal compositions, in both cases without using any electronic manipulations.
The approach to vocality is ludic and spontaneous; it reflects her connection with nature, animals and the surrounding environment, from which she continuously finds inspiration. Through her sounds, the artist tries to give voice to distant echoes for which it is often difficult to find words and brings them to present with strong intensity. The sounds of the environment and the voices of others are used with the same purpose, and in some works they replace or make a counterpoint to her voice.
The silence, apparent stillness of things, is an important element of her research, either during the creation of the sound compositions or during the performances development: it invites with discretion to an intimate listening, but at the same time is open to external influences.