AT NOTTINGHAM CONTEMPORARY

Events - Special Events, Caroline Locke, Sound Fountains

26 Nov 2011 - 27 Nov 2011

Sound Fountains

An Interactive Installation I am interested in exploring the relationship of the spectator and the performer and the opportunities to blur their respective roles within Contemporary Art Practices. I have been investigating ways in which a spectator can engage more in my work through direct interaction. For example: a spectator will become performer and integral to the work by triggering sensors, within the exhibition space, allowing the presence of the audience to orchestrate changes within the installation. I have been using PIR and ultra sonic sensors to allow audiences to become part of the interactive Sound Fountain installation (title to be realised) and to explore communication possibilities between the spectator and the sound fountain so that a dialogue can be established between the two.

During a 3-month residency as Visiting Academic at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia (Sept – Nov 2005), I worked with the Sonic Art Group, composing music for a live web broadcast. I also initiated a period of experimentation with Casey Rice - a noted sound specialist and Max Msp programmer from the USA.In April 2007, the Arts council of England funded a further period of research with Rice, to develop our initial experimentation. I flew out to work alongside him in his studio in Melbourne, Australia. The outcome of this research forms the basis of ‘Interactive Sound Fountain installation’ designed for gallery spaces. Casey Rice built an interface and Max patch in order to send pre-recorded synthesisor samples to the sound fountains which we triggered using pir sensors.

Over the last 2 years we have updated and extended this research within the Faculty at The University Of Derby. Alex Gibbins, Lecturer in Multimedia Technology has worked with myself and students using Max Msp software and Interactive technologies. We have applied our respective interests and knowledge in new and challenging ways.Consultation visits, trials with new equipment and experiments with the new sculptural elements have lead to a new refined and updated system (funded by Research In Curriculum Funds 2009). We have used this project as a case study, exploring and experimenting with new devices – giving students access to cutting edge equipment and challenging ways of utilizing it. I take my role as a Senior Lecturer seriously and always aim to provide the best learning experiences for students – often making my ideas and research directly accessible by providing opportunities for their personal involvement in projects.

During the Summer 2011 final adjustments were made to prepare the work for public output.

Sound Fountain II is the artist’s most recent project. Sound waves move through the water allowing the spectator to experience the sight of sound.  The sculpture was installed from June to September on the steps of the Townhall, Neerpelt in Belgium. It was exhibited as part of a series of sound Installations alongside the ‘Klankenbos’ park. Klankenbos is a permanent collection of sound sculptures in the open air, accommodated at the provincial Domein Dommelhof at Neerpelt and unique in Europe.