Illuminating Sounds
These are my ongoing studies and experiments to visualise sound using different materials.
Inspired by the Cymatics phenomenon, I try to make the unseen sound waves visible using light and different materials. I believe by ‘illuminating’ sounds, a different perception towards this sense will be opened.
01/ Laser
Using mirror reflection with the laser beam, the tactile sound vibration can be percieved as chaotic pattern left by the light. The second part of the video combines the laser beam with reflection of water to create more random and complex effects.
02/ Water
Inspired by the ripple tank used in the physics research, I tried to use the vibration generated from a speaker to influence the water surface. Stronger sound vibrations will lead to more fluctuating visual effects. There may also be some small sparks forming in the process.
03/ P hosphorescent Powder
Phosphorescent powder is a material that will produce a luminous effect when it absorbs light. After strong light exposure, it will form a visible glowing effect in the dark, which in turn gradually diminishes with time. Taking this property, I use the vibration of sound to influence the movement of the powder placed inside the plastic tray, creating an organic and unique dynamic of this material.
Performance
On April 29th, I had a collaborative performance with multimedia artist Bryan Wu at RCA Battersea's experimental sound event White Noise. The visuals were generated in real time from materials of water and laser, and the sound was improvised by Bryan using synthesizers and sequencers.
The third experiment was a live recording of a collaborative performance with Bryan Wu at the 41st White Noise at the RCA Kensington Lecture Room. The sound used in the performance was produced by Bryan in advance. During the performance, I controlled and adjusted the subtle movements of the plastic tray in real time to bring out better visuals of the powder dynamics captured by a camera. The camera view was also projected in real time in the space of the performance.
