smallest functional unit was founded in 2020 by Ute Wassermann, Tony Buck, Mazen Kerbaj, Magda Mayas, and Racha Gharbieh with the aim of performing and publishing unconventional scores by international composers. The first published edition, under the title Graphème Vol.1 will be launch in October 2021.
Graphème, the publishing project, will feature unconventional, hybrid notational formats and
graphic scores by international composers, performers and artists.
The dominant, traditional, western notation is only one aspect among many forms of expression in the field. We are interested in unconventional notational formats and experimental scores, as these represent visions of sound that are open to diverse, idiosyncratic ways of interpreting and composing. Works in which improvisation, composition, interpretation, performance and sound art merge require relevant modes of representation.
In this first edition of Graphème artists Tomomi Adachi, Lotte Anker, Tony Buck & Lloyd Swanton, Marina Cyrino, Tina Douglas, Mazen Kerbaj, Magda Mayas, Phill Niblock, Jon Rose, Ute Wassermann and Nate Wooley work with photography, drawing, graphics, mixed media and object scores, finding ways to notate and share personal techniques and sonic elements.
We intend to offer a much needed alternative to most current modes of publishing in a practical, accessible and approachable way.
In addition to the publication of Graphème, smallest functional unit plan to present concerts, symposia and a festival within which composers will be given the opportunity to reflect and discuss their work.