Voices

As the public approaches VOICES they observe a silent yet visually striking three metre tall oval structure. Fifty translucent vertical tubes are attached to the wall of the installation, each paired with one of the pre-recorded voices of a philharmonic choir. 

As the intuitive design leads a member of the public to spin a tube, the entire structure dims aside from the active tube which begins illuminating from its base. As the tube is spun, the corresponding voice fades in, its volume correlating with the increasing height of the tube’s internal light. As each voice layer is added by the public spinning a tube, the sound and lightscapes increase in intensity. The chorus is only heard in its entirety when all fifty tubes are rotating. If one is left unattended, its corresponding light slowly descends and voice fades, ensuring the work continually resets to encourage the ebb and flow of participation.

The choral music for the installation is a 45 minute bespoke composition by Ekrem Eli Phoenix recorded by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. 

With the ability to control the choir firmly in the public’s hands, this work can only be activated through audience participation, ensuring a truly collaborative experience and inviting the public to genuinely engage with art through play.

You can find VOICES at Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown, 9am–9pm Friday 10–Sunday 12 Oct.