Tess Oldfield

Tess Oldfield (b.1992) is a sonic/spatial transformer/synthesizer/composer. They are currently exploring computational composition by designing digital extensions for acoustic instruments. Tess’ work examines the cultural contexts of singing and the interaction between industrial and biological systems, investigating how technology both augments and amplifies the body. Their work spans various mediums, such as sound, video, performance, and installation. Building digital extensions for found instruments extends their voicing abilities as a performer, transforming tools into elaborate transducers and digital/analog prosthetics.

Tess holds an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in Digital + Media and has exhibited their work throughout the US, including Yale University Sculpture Gallery, the New Bedford Art Museum, and CyberArtsBoston. They have participated in residencies at ACRE Projects and will be the Sound Art and Experimental Music Resident at Bemis Center in 2025. They are a Critic/Lecturer at the Rhode Island School of Design in Experimental Foundation Studies and Digital + Media/Computation, Technology & Culture. They live and work between Chicago, IL and Providence Rhode Island.