In this installation, the parts are voices of the festival’s exhibition participants (audience members). Participants record their own voices through direct interaction with an “Intercom Unit” (see diagrams) secured to four separate walls of the installation space. The installation space can be an exhibition space with other artwork, or any other space that you wish to install this into. It is important that participants are unable to see each other while interacting with the Intercom Units.

Participants’ recorded voices (parts) are mixed with the recorded voices of other participants throughout the installation creating a real-time conversation (the whole) that echoes throughout the installation space and slowly degrades in volume as echoes do. Each participant can modify the pitch of their recorded voice by turning a ‘Modulation Turn-Knob” (see diagrams) to take on alternative personalities in the conversation and engage in a playful experience. Each intercom unit is wired to a central computer that does the processing and real-time audio mixing.

My interest in this installation is based on my interest in localized experiences that draw-out our common interest in both direct interaction with objects (the sense of tacit know-how) and technologically-mediated social communication. This piece adds a unique aspect to social interaction by veiling the individual behind the sound of their own voice.

Screen Shot of the Software Interface written in Max/MSP