Fusing scientific research with ancient Japanese custom, Nelo Akamatsu uses the principle of geomagnetism – chijiki – to explore a traditional form of sound sculpture, suikinkutsu. Traditionally the sound, amplified through bamboo tubing, of water dripping into a buried clay pot, Akamatsu’s Chijikinkutsu employs the equally delicate sound of electromagnetised needles gently striking the walls of glass vessels filled with water as they respond to the invisible influence of geomagnetic forces. The subtle sound of this micro-tide soothes as it glimmers and tinkles just at the threshold of hearing.
Concept, Space Design, Hardware Development, Sound-Sequence Programming: Nelo Akamatsu
Winner of the prestigious Golden Nica in the Sound Art category at Prix Ars Electronica 2015
Supported by: The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation & The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation
