SlowQin - a hybrid replica of the instrument Qin
From 2007 to now, I have continued revisiting archaic Chinese musical history and philosophical thoughts by reinventing the seven-stringed Qin, into the SlowQin. The hybrid instrument to be perpetually re-programmed and opening up boundless possibilities. The Qin has regenerated itself anew—after at least 2500 years—as a SlowQin. Its material body was constructed in Beijing in 2007 and reinvented with an architecture of transparent plexiglass that serves both as a resonating body and a container hosting a microcontroller, variety of sensors, and a tree of colourful electrical wires. These components enable communication with my computer, allowing the hybrid instrument to be perpetually re-programmed and opening up boundless possibilities.
San Pedro Monochord
DIY instrument for (de)composition (2021 - )
Medium: Mixed media, San Pedro cactus skeleton, dried skin and spikes, various cotton and conductive threads, piezo string, microcontroller
The temporality of the decomposition of a San Pedro cactus is transformed into the San Pedro Monochord, capturing the power of poetic reflection through recurring patterns that influence the musical gestures of the artist. The body of the cactus has grown, died, and decayed in an environment closely shared with the artist. The cultural history and chemical components are integral to the process of materialisation and the decision to incorporate gestures intimately connected with the cyclical life of this particular San Pedro monochord, further deepening the relationship with the artist. Their mutual sonic relationship will continue to resonate.
78_u_min
A semi-automated scratching system for sonic (de)construction 2007
One Day the Mountain Will Fly Away - Device
A wearable wireless system for dancer to move sound (earweego 2002)