MMeA #2

MMeA #2, 2013
Programming, video, sound, electronics

This project consists of a PureData patch that converts ambient sound into visual patterns based on Braille. The installation included a series of contact microphones mounted to the gallery wall, which allowed a computer to “read” the vibrations of the room in real time and convert them to images.

Part of the inspiration for this piece comes from the type of “distance” that I intuit between forms of communication; for instance sighted individuals typically don’t read Braille, making the piece unreadable.

Another element in the piece is that it’s inspired by my grandfather, who is blind and was a ham radio hobbyist. I have often considered how my own work as an artist might resonate with him or other blind people, which is one of the reasons why I’m interested in sound art.