Xuán

Sound and visual installation for flashlights and speakers.

Collaborative work with Yiran Zhao and Lukas Jakob Löcker.

2017

The title is transliterated from either of two Chinese characters with the same pronunciation and intonation: «悬» means “hanging,” while «旋» means “spinning.” The title, in its ambiguous potential of different meanings, is representative of the piece as a whole.

The objects of this performative installation comprise speakers and flashlights hanging with and under a transparent net of nylon string, giving the appearance of floating in space. The floor underneath them is covered with a white projection surface to reflect the light from overhead. The performers in their motions trigger one another’s movements, which also sometimes depend on the different materials used, and initiate new movements in turn, as well as cause changes in already moving objects.

Through the moving lights and sounds, the performance space is made ambiguous, as acoustic reflection and changing illumination alter the perception of volume and resonance.

Performances:
25 March 2017 – Lange Nacht der Kunst – Rubble master, Linz
7 – 11 Sept 2017 – Ars Electronica Festival – Linz