dc.contributor.author | Ferguson, John | |
dc.contributor.author | Bussigel, Peter | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2020-04-14T04:50:19Z | |
dc.date.available | 2020-04-14T04:50:19Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2019 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10072/393066 | |
dc.description.abstract | Research Background
Soundtracks is an exploration of computationally mediated rotation using motorized magnets to create modular ‘soundtracks’. Three industrial motors are programmed using Arduino; each motor propels magnets that inscribe, over time, physical ‘tracks’ into the surface of a wooden board coated in layers of paint. The motion is visceral but small-scale. The sound-world revolves around a series of ‘scrapes’, but surprising sonic details and resonances emerge. The direction and speed of rotation change frequently while the magnetic forces add a layer of complexity. Silence and stillness occur often, these force the perceiver to pause and contemplate gallery sounds that are often considered ‘background’.
Research Contribution
This project explored the circular information design of Manuel Lima and is inspired by the kinetic sculpture of Arthur Ganson and Zimoun. The goal was to develop long-duration work that develops over time (texture of the painted surface functions as a musical score that changes as various layers of paint are worn down). The work is envisaged as a musical composition that relies on electro-mechanical means, the power of magnetism, and the acoustic properties of the chosen materials (no loudspeakers involved). However, it also involves algorithms that generate pseudo-random results, so is inherently digital as the magnetic/mechanical forces are augmented by machine agency. This project foregrounds magnetic forces/motion and uses this to draw perceivers in close; once close to the ear the auditory sense takes over and the role of sound in a gallery context is highlighted.
Research Significance
This project is a collaboration with Dr Peter Bussigel (Assistant Professor/Intermedia artist). Soundtracks was developed during a two-week artist residency (Department of New Media + Sound Arts) for a four-week exhibition (October 25th-November 29th 2019) in the ~Diffuser Gallery at Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver (CA). | |
dc.publisher | Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Vimeo | |
dc.publisher.place | Diffuser Gallery at Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver (CA), and also online. . | |
dc.publisher.uri | http://www.johnrobertferguson.com/soundtracks/ | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearch | Screen and digital media | |
dc.subject.fieldofresearchcode | 3605 | |
dc.title | Soundtracks | |
dc.type | Creative work | |
dc.type.description | S1_4 Digital Creative Work (Major Research) | |
dcterms.bibliographicCitation | Ferguson, J; Bussigel, P, Soundtracks, 2019 | |
dc.date.updated | 2020-04-07T22:04:33Z | |
gro.hasfulltext | No Full Text | |
gro.griffith.author | Ferguson, John R. | |