ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Tacet Journal Launches with John Cage Centenary Issue

publication · 2026-05-01

There's this new annual journal called Tacet, which is available in both French and English, and it's led by Matthieu Saladin. The first edition is named 'Qui est John Cage?' and it beautifully coincides with the 100th anniversary of John Cage's birth and the 20th anniversary of his death. Released by Les Presses du réel, it includes pieces from around twenty writers, like Philip Gentry and Sarah Troche. Instead of giving a definitive answer about Cage's identity, the journal opens up conversations about how his work is received, the idea of post-silence, conceptual music, and his sexual orientation. It also includes the first-ever translation of one of his autobiographical writings and various reports that reflect the growing acceptance of experimental music and noise performances.

Key facts

  • Tacet is a new annual journal in French and English directed by Matthieu Saladin.
  • The first issue is titled 'Qui est John Cage ?'.
  • It marks the centenary of John Cage's birth and twenty years since his death.
  • Contributors include Philip Gentry, Sarah Troche, Jean-Yves Bosseur, Xabier Erkizia, Seth Kim-Cohen, Michaël Pisaro, Sophie Stévance, and Mattin.
  • The issue includes a first translation of an autobiographical text by Cage.
  • The journal is published by Les Presses du réel.
  • The issue explores topics such as post-silence, conceptual music, and Cage's sexual identity.
  • The journal's launch reflects the popularization of experimental music.

Entities

Artists

  • John Cage
  • Matthieu Saladin
  • Philip Gentry
  • Sarah Troche
  • Jean-Yves Bosseur
  • Xabier Erkizia
  • Seth Kim-Cohen
  • Michaël Pisaro
  • Sophie Stévance
  • Mattin

Institutions

  • Tacet
  • Les Presses du réel

Sources