T R I M P I N
Trimpin, Phffft, air-pulsated kinetic
sound environment, wood, metal, plastic,
electronics, 30 x 70 x 20 ft, 1994.
(Photo: Mark Eifen)
Phffft is a sound environment that
features sculptures containing more than 200
tuned air-activated sound sources (reeds,
flutes, pitched pipes, whistles, etc.). The
sculptures generate air flurries and musical
undercurrents, bursts of sound and sustained
harmonics. Visitors interact with the
sculptures through a sensor that triggers an
original composition stored in the computer.
Although it is computerized for interactivity
and sequencing, the installation consists
solely of natural acoustic sound---nothing is
synthesized or amplified. Air is the medium
that has always been used to articulate any
form of artistic or verbal communication
utilizing sound, therefore ancient tuning
systems are used for some of the instruments.
(Trimpin, 4136 Meridian Avenue, Seattle,
WA 98103, U.S.A.)
For more images by Trimpin,
see the print journal
L E O N A R D O
Vol. 29, No. 1 (1996),
available from the MIT Press
(journals-orders@mit.edu).
A R T I S T S