Sound Scene returns to the Hirshhorn Museum with the theme Solstice, and 50 artists from around the globe to celebrate sound through multi-sensory art installations. What does balance sound like? What is illuminated by sunlight? What finds peace in darkness? Join us for this annual sound art festival featuring interactive artworks, live performances and small group workshops. Also, enjoy a one-night-only evening of cross-cultural inspiration when artists from the European Union will come together with Sound Scene artists during the State of the Arts Night X Sound Scene on Saturday, June 22 from 5:00PM until 11:00PM.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
We are pround to support the Austrian soundartist Heike Kaltenbrunner, who presents her sound installation close| distant. This walk-in installation is based on the sound instrument Proximity Organ, which is a combination of pipe organ and theremin. The pipes act as sound generators as well as proximity sensors, they create a variety of sounds and noises when visitors get closer and with changing air flow. Also, participants will be guided by Kaltenbrunner to create soft tones, hums and hisses to orchestrate an original and collaborative soundscape in a workshop (registration recommended).
ABOUT SOUND SCENE
Sound Scene began in 2008 and is still curated by the DC Listening Lounge audio arts collective and is now hosted by the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Sound Scene is an annual, free, two-day event, open to the public. In 2019 Sound Scene broke attendance records for the Hirshhorn museum attracting more than 14,000 attendees over 2 days. Sound Scene celebrates sound through multi-sensory art installations including sculptural, headphone-based and multi-channel interactive exhibits. Our live stage features performances of dance, music, and spoken word. Sound Scene’s small group workshops invite audiences to explore acoustics, beat-making, sound production, sonic meditation, group improvisation, and more. Sound Scene features the creative work of artists from across the world.
Images © Heike Kaltenbrunner © Ash Farrand