Sound Storage

A T-shaped row of galvanized heavy-duty shelves consisting of approx. 16 individual elements forms the visual shape of the sculpture. All shelves are placed in the room in such a way that the individual elements merge together to form a free-standing and accessible shape. The storage compartments of each shelf are placed at the same height. Wired speakers of different types are stored with equal distance to the next one over the total space of the shelf levels. With four levels in use, a distance of 30cm between the individual speakers and a total length of 16m, 213 speakers are installed.

Speakers for acoustic reproduction are rarely installed visibly in music systems, televisions, stereo systems, radios, etc., but are designed as purely functional elements for the reproduction of a specific frequency range. In addition to the visual variety and the sometimes surprising design of the different types, it is the selection, the quantity and the principle of stacking. Here one on top of the other. Sources of sound stacked vertically, giving the impression of a sound storage.

Each individual speaker serves to make sounds and noises audible. The different designs with their different frequency ranges enable a wide spectrum of sound colors to be achieved when reproducing an identical signal. The specific sound is thus created by the bandwidth of the currently active speaker and its ability to make the frequency response audible.

The phenomenon of sound movement alternates between stationary noises with a fixed location. It overlaps and uses the distances of the installation structure to move away very quickly or even slowly, jump back and forth at random or simply stand still. In addition to repeating, two-dimensional sounds, short, eruptive noise actions run through the momentary aural picture. There is no designated listening location. The circulation of the sculpture in space, the changing positioning in relation to the overall installation becomes part of the acoustic reception.

• Klangkunstforum Parkkolonnaden, Potsdamer Platz, Berlin 2000

16 galvanized shelf elements, 213 speakers of various designs, cables, 24-channel composition, electronical equipment.