I actually have Zimoun to thank for directing me over to the London gallery, Barbican and their new commission for the Curve, a sound installation piece by Céleste Boursier-Mougenot. Known for being both a composer and sculptor, Boursier-Mougenot has been combining the two disciplines since the early 90s.
Harmonichaos is one of my favourites; an installation in which 13 vacuums are attached with harmonicas, while the vacuum motors are connected to motion/sound frequency sensors . As visitors enter, ambient noise is picked up and the barrage of harmonica’d vacuums turn on in slow waves of recognition. In his latest, 40 zebra finches are set-up with a playground of guitars, among other instruments and objects, creating an unpredictable and compelling soundscape. Check out the video below, gah I love the bird with the little twig.
