Schrödinger’s String (2015)
Schrödinger’s String is a generative audiovisual work exploring the visualisation and sonification of waves. Inspired by cyclo.id, a book comprising phase visualisation of various wave shape pairs by cyclo (Carsten Nicolai and Ryoji Ikeda), Schrödinger’s String is a multimodal work consisting of live generation and audiovisual representation of 2-channel sound, exploring relationships between frequency, phase, rate synchronisation, timbre, amplitude and quantisation.
At stasis, Schrödinger’s String produces slowly evolving lissajous curves and a simple hum. When active, it produces dynamic shapes and fractured noise. The work reacts to the temperature and humidity of its environment, altering the wave generation process. It also reacts to the proximity and noisiness of its audience. The mapping of environmental and audience conditions means that the very act of observation changes its output. Each moment is consequently a unique experience.
Exhibition
In The Loop: Feeding the Polyphonic Present
14 October – 27 November, 2015
Macquarie University Art Gallery
Dimensions
3.5m (width) × 2m (height).
Materials
Max/MSP/Jitter, Mac Mini, projector, wall, microphone, speakers, sensors (temperature, humidity, loudness, IR distance).