Sound interactive instalation, 2011
In our present-day societies we are under constant surveillance by cameras, photocells, barriers and slogans for analogic and digital
entering and exiting. Despite these impingements on our freedom and
control we still go on thinking that we are infinitely free. Creative freedom as a privileged domain of art is a fallacy. I am, insofar as I am under control.
The underlying theme of the performance is music. The title Composition
for the Accordion is taken from the rich arsenal of classical naming for
compositions. In this case the performance/composition is likewise
intended for an instrument, but not in the classical sense. Instead of musicians enacting the composition on the accordion, the
instrument as an exhibited item is put into the role of the audience
which is listening.
The other subversion takes place when the composition is digitally
translated into notation and conveyed into another room where it is then
transformed into a real-life situation as the musician can try and
simultaneously render it live.
The performance takes place in a gallery space. There is an accordion
placed on exhibit, surrounded by loudspeakers. There are also
sensors/photocells – instruments featuring more and more frequently as a
means of controlling access within the urban environment. By entering
and exiting the space governed by photocells, arbitrary visitors trigger
off parts of pre-recorded materials and this way simultaneously create a
sound-movement composition of an interactive performance. The accordion
assumes the opposite role and functions as an observer/listener. Simultaneously in the other room those compositions are digitally
translated in order to be performed on accordion in real time - prima vista.
The enactment of Tomaž Grom's composition requires two gallery visitors
who, aided with written instructions and a stopwatch, assume the role of
the active performer. Alternatively the visitors are also entirely free
to enact their own compositions however they wish.
Creators
Concept and composition: Tomaž Grom
Programming in: Arduino (microcontroller), Pure Data (sound), Processing (image) and realisation of sensorial system:
Vasja Progar
Text: Špela Trošt
1.–4.10.2011, Galerija, Earzoom
festival Ljubljana
2.–5.11.2012, Moderna galerija Budva,
Črna gora
27.–29.12.2012, Galerija Tir, Mostovna
17.9.–1.10.2013, Nova galerija,
Delavski dom Trbovlje
