Ayla Pierrot Arendt
2017 Walk-IN
The visual sound installation WALK-IN – consisting of a step motor translating the information gathered through the users of the application “Synchronisator” (by Fabian Gutscher) onto an organism of movable, sound-making metals and strings – is moved by walkers from all over the world whose steps are transmitted via sensors into our „machine“. The installation visitor has to download the app at iTunes: Synchronisator by Fabian Gutscher --- and the local space is filled with sounds that translate his or her step rhythm as well. Visitors of the installation can partake in the combined rhythms of all simultanous walkers by joining on two synched theadmills. Little metal objects translate a very intricate and fine sound landscape. A wall projection informs on who in the world is moving the installation at the moment.
The collaborative work WALKIN is based on the iphone-app “Synchronisator” that Swiss sound artist Fabian Gutscher developed. It can be used to walk together with another app-user anywhere in the world. This project is about walking together, literally, without being at the same place. Through the application the connection is used to move each other as well as the sound-objects in the installation; however, it does not transmit a concrete image of the Other who is walking at another place. Only the step rhythm of Another is transmitted, confirming that we are actually walking together. We use the digital realm to connect but we also step out of the urge of sharing everything via the smartphone, typically disconnecting us from what happens around us: we are just walking, with the Other walking along, but we only know his or her name and location. There is no image and no chat. This helps to go for a walk being aware of what is happening around us, being animated to walk by having someone virtually (but in real time and space) walking with us. We find walking a beautiful metaphor of connecting people worldwide but to also make aware that walking is contemplative as well as calming. As long as we keep walking together, we move forward together, we keep each other in mind and connect our needs and joys with everyone else that is a contemporary walking along. Besides, all great thinkers have gone for walks regularly: walking stimulates thinking.
This documentation is from an installation developed for and shown @ Basis e.V. Project Space, Frankfurt am Main, Germany // Sept 2 + 3, 2017. The installation is adapted to each space and can be extended with more video material, sound objects and sound layers up to a concert like situation.
Photos: Alla Poppersoni
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