Unrealized: Conceptual Bushwick

Jen Poueymirou
Matter/Energy



Imagine a floating landscape of vibrations that would be created in a space that would be wide and expansive. They would appear as light waves that incorporated sound. The light would move at one speed, the sound at another.

This would be created through a system of motors that would spin at different speeds and with various ratios of torque. A string would be anchored to the end of an arm that was a part of the mechanical movements of the motor which would interact with an armature that surrounded the arm to help it reverberate. The arm would rattle with repeated concussions where the motor was mounted and would put the string into movement across the building where it would be anchored to the other side. The arms movement would make the strings tremble across the expanse of the space. There would be enough of these strings to extend the full length of the space. (at least 100) With each oscillating, pulsating and wavering string creating a different undulating pattern, the mechanism of each would also create a sound that would end up making a cacophony as they slowly began to work simultaneously.

In experiencing the piece, the viewer would enter into a completely dark environment except for the light of neon black lights that would be facing the various strings to turn them a glow. As each mechanism is turned on, the wave patterns become something similar to light; Part energy, part matter. The dissonance of the sound would grow until all the mechanisms are turned on.

I think it would be great to work with musicians as well to use the sounds as part of a composition that could be performed. The Park Avenue Armory would be a perfect example of the space needed for this piece.