shapes for sound | inspiration

Mari Kimura - subharmonics

I just discovered violinist/composer Mari Kimura and her work on subharmonics.

These subharmonic sounds that she creates are absolutely fascinating. Apparently she uses a combination of exact bow pressure, placement, and speed to draw out notes that are lower than the open G string (classically, open G is the lowest note available on the violin). She is able to control this technique, extending the violin's range up to a full octave below open G without modifying the tuning of her instrument.

She talks more about subharmonics and the technique here. She also talks more about her work on her blog here. 

 

Cai Guo-Qiang, Black Fireworks: Project for Hiroshima

In 2008, Cai Guo-Qiang was awarded the 7th Hiroshima Art Prize, and was honored with a solo exhibition at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art. A black fireworks performance opened the event. 

I also liked his Black Rainbow explosion project for Edinburgh

I found the shape and color of each explosion matched the sounds perfectly. The rapidity and precision of the explosions and their placement in the sky was just stunning, resulting in a very pwerful experience. I would have loved to see this performance in person.