Scatter 2019

Abstract

Research Background ‘Scatter 2019’ is a solar-powered installation, sonic composition, and ongoing artistic research project. Sound emanates from twelve loudspeakers that hang from six motorised rotors, which are each mounted at a height of four metres on a freestanding structure. By walking and listening beneath and between each mechanism, visitors experience a unique sonic adventure. The motion of the loudspeakers places the Doppler effect at the foreground. Inspired by Gordon Monahan’s ‘Speaker Swinging’, the environmentally attuned work of Andy Goldsworthy, and the kinetic sculptures of Arthur Ganson and Zimoun, this project explores the artistic potential of a field of rotating loudspeakers and offers new opportunities for the presentation of compositional works in outdoor public spaces.

Research Contribution Each rotor is controlled by an embedded computer, ‘Scatter 2019’ is programmed to have periods of acceleration, deceleration, and pause. The system is a playful embracement of rotating loudspeakers, which highlight the physicality of sound. Computer-controlled lighting on the rotors makes the installation effective at night and highlights the physics of sound in motion while querying the relationship between sonic and visual modalities. The project contributes a novel approach to kinetic sound sculpture with a variety of embedded and interactive technologies at the foreground.

Research Significance The project was commissioned by Tourism and Events Queensland through Brisbane Powerhouse for the inaugural Curiocity Brisbane Festival. In March 2019 Scatter was installed in the South Bank Parklands for a period of three weeks. Over 1000 visitors a day interacted with the installation and during World Science Festival Brisbane approximately 3000 visitors per day were counted. In 2019 Scatter was also installed at Harrigans Lane in New South Wales for Easter at the Piano Mill.