Work: Interactive sound installation
Location: HKU Oudenoord, UTRECHT
Date: 06/2023
link to full video
Details: The soundart installation Resonating Mechanisms examines an ever evolving feedback loop between the sculpture itself, the space and the visitor. It invites the visitor to explore how much they can control the uncontrollable. The work refers to systems we as consumers keep in motion and influence by our (in)actions. The blue marked elements invite the viewer to come closer and listen or interact with the mechanism.
Resonating Mechanisms is a sound sculpture built from pvc pipes, air pumps, servo motors, exciter speakers and contact mics. The work explores the power of analog feedback loops. Starting from the base of the sculpture air gets pushed through the pipes system. Exciter speakers amplify the sound being picked up by hanging microphones within the same sculpture. Whilst the hanging microphones are being controlled with servo motors, a chaotic, uncontrollable creature is being created. The sculpture creates a sense of causal relation between the visitor and the modulation of the sound.
In collaboration with: Anna-Lina Helsen and Oisin Duggan Metcalf
https://resonatingmechanisms.nl/
Resonating Mechanisms brings together various elements of life. Creating its own feedback loop, the mechanism combines itself with the space within and around it as well as the visitor (and their -in-actions).
The soundart installation has an unusual visual presence, built out of PVC pipes, tape, wood, kitches hose, metal rods and an air pump, servo-motors, contact and dynamic microphones and more. This large format creature-like mechanism exists by resonating modulated air- and soundwaves.
The work explores the power of analog feedback loops. Starting from the base of the sculpture air gets pushed through the pipes system. Exciter speakers amplify the sound that's being picked up by contact mics within the same sculpture. Whilst the opening gaps of the pipes are being controlled with servo motors, a chaotic, uncontrollable creature is being created. The sculpture creates a sense of causal relation between the visitor and the modulation of the sound.
Feedback mechanisms are an integral part of existence and can be found in a great variety of places. Whether in biology [1], technology [2] or more, feedback loops hold significant functions, such as helping bodies to regulate temperatures and healing processes, detecting problems and issues in software development code, cyclical thinking loops in psychology or in sound systems [3].
In audio systems feedback loops there is a direct path between the audio input and audio output, which amplifies the input and loops it back into the system, creating a cycle [4]. Resonating Mechanisms combines the ideas and elements of feedback loops with kinetic and sound art.
Jean Tinguely [5] built his so-called Métamatics and within his works commented satirical on automation processes as well as technological overproduction of material goods, which we hint at in our installation. Alexander Calder [6] was best-known for his mobiles, which can be found in the hanging part of the installation. Heath Robinson [7] created elaborate designs for machines to achieve simple objectives, going over the top and making things very complex, where easier solutions would have been possible.