As the title “See by your ears” suggests, this sound project aims to introduce the new acoustic experience of “seeing with the ears” how sound particles bounce and billow in a completely dark space.
“Otocyon megalotis” is a series of stereophonic sound installations of four pieces composed through complex sound programming. Sound sources used in these pieces are recordings of sound artist SUZUKI Akio’s performances on his self-built instruments, as well as recordings made by evala using special stereophonic microphones at outdoor listening spots of SUZUKI’s works “Hinatabokko no kukan (Space in the Sun)” and “Otodate (Echo point)” in Kyotango, Kyoto. The compositions made by reconfiguring the movements and acoustic transformations of these sounds involve mysterious acoustic effects such musical instruments seemingly being enlarged, or sounds as if heard through ears overflowing with water. The result is a kind of “sound architecture” in which sounds keep changing just like living organisms.
“Our Muse,” a new work made for this occasion, is based around sounds of evala’s private daily life, recorded with special microphones and smartphones. Here the artist constructs a multi-dimensional sonic experience in which time and space seem to be transforming.
The composition of imaginary spaces through sounds generates acoustic signs that arouse in the listener a variety of images. One may certainly call this a new virtual reality experience with expanded perception.
For their individual experience of this work, visitors can choose one from several compositions, and enjoy the respective piece for up to ten minutes.
The list of Sounds
1. Our Muse
All Sound Composition, Recording, 3D Sound Programming by evala, 2017
7′19″
2. Otocyon Megalotis #1 “Reflection”
All Sound Composition, Recording, 3D Sound Programming by evala, 2013
7′47″
3. Otocyon Megalotis #2 “Chafe”
All Sound Composition, Recording, 3D Sound Programming by evala, 2014
5′55″
4. Kugiuchi & Water Bottle
Performance by SUZUKI Akio, 2013
Recomposition, Recording, 3D Sound Programming by evala, 2013
7′05″
5. Glass Harmonica
Performance by SUZUKI Akio, 2013
Recomposition, Recording, 3D Sound Programming by evala, 2014
6′10″
Equipment support: Acoustic Field Inc.