Inventing Images: Constructing and Contesting Gender in Thinking about Electroacoustic Music

The author explores symbolic imagery in the world of electroacoustic music, as presented in both popular music publications and the language of 14 Canadian women composers. While mainstream discourse uses imagery that emphasizes power and control, these composers use metaphors of painting, dancing, sustenance, addiction, wilderness, meetings, circuitry, curses, locks, boxes, blessings and desire to describe their work. This imagery suggests different ways for artists to think about their interaction with technology.