Cascade. 2023

Sculptural Sound Installation

Variable dimensions (max: 10m x 6m x 0,3m). 128 channel sound, 128 speaker cones, 128 light- diffusing optic fiber, 128 lasers, 64 amplifiers, 16 audio interfaces, 3D printed modules, 2 custom PWM-DMX boards, wood, custom software.

Waterfalls emit infrasonic frequencies vital for the navigation of certain birds, which use them as a compass during their migrations. Recently, noise pollution from industrialization has threatened this journey. Cascade attempts to reproduce the infrasonic recordings of various waterfalls using small speakers incapable of emitting such low frequencies. However, their vibrations activate an optical fiber through which the sound "falls," creating a curtain of light that visualizes the sound waves, offering an alternative form of listening. This challenges human auditory and perceptual capabilities, decentering our position as “the measure of all things." Such vibration can be seen, felt, and touched with the skin, providing a multisensory experience that emphasizes interspecies connections through "feeling with" others and the body. The fibers of Cascade illuminate the viewer's position, reminding us of the critical importance of preserving the often unseen elements of nature.

Credits:

Idea, Production, Construction: Marc Vilanova
3D Design: Javi Albo, Rodrigo Waihiwe
Technical Design & Fabrication: Javi Albo
Software: Alfredo Ardia
Custom Hardware and Firmware: Wesley Lee
3D Printing: Nuno OliveiraInstallation Support: Johanna Palmeyro, Clarisa Esevich, Márcio Ferreira, Tiago Rosendo, Guillaume Côté, Myriam Lambert, Triska Sicuranzo, Matias Tolchinsky, Elsa Guerra, Alba Medinyà, Neus Masdeu, Júlia Faura, Mercè Lledós, Lisandro Marquez
Support: EMAP, Creative Europe, Avatar Center, Institut Ramon Llull, OSIC, Konvent Puntzero

Photos: Eloise Coomber, Adriano Ferreira, Charline Clavier

This work was realized in part within the framework of the European Media Art Platform (EMAP) residency program at Gnration with support of the Creative Europe Culture Programme of the European Union, Avatar Center, and the Institut Ramon Llull.

Available for booking

Phonos. 2020-2022

Sculptural Sound Installation

3m x 5m x 3m. 208 channel sound, 208 speaker cones, 104 ampli ers, 26 audio interfaces, audio cables, steel, custom software.

Phonos is an installation using infrasonic frequencies, which are extremely low frequencies imperceptible to us yet present in our daily lives.

An individual audio signal is sent to each of the two hundred and eight recycled speakers. Due to their size, the speakers are incapable of reproducing infrasounds. In their attempt to emit them, we experience how each speaker moves, rendering visible an imperceptible sound. At the same time, we can hear the frictions of their mechanics, generating a synchronized polyrhythm that moves throughout the frontal octagon. Despite Phonos’ large dimensions, the piece invites you to get close and have an intimate experience with it.

Credits:

Commission: Fundació Phonos

Idea | Production | Design | Construction: Marc Vilanova

Structure designed and created in collaboration with: 2monos

Metal Work: Alejandro Dumon, Ivan Mena

Hardware and Software: Alfredo Ardia

Installation Support: Venus Villa, Mateu Targa, Joan Perramon, Júlia Faura

Help: Giovanna Langone, Arantxa Boyero, Llorenç Balaguer, Joan Manel Pérez, David Chia, Gil Roca, Marc Ramis, Montse López, Berenice Moran, Caro Palmeiro, Alexis Castellano, Fernando Garcia-Valiño, Alejandra Andrés, Pedro Ramoneda, Teresa Pelinski, Lucas Elías, Joaquín Molina, Matías Tolchinsky

Special Thanks: Jordi Alomar, Ángel Faraldo, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Carles Pons, Lluís Campos, Anna Benet, Mar Medinyà, Iris Yirei Hu, Philippe Dumon, Nicoletta Mantoan, Família Vilanova Pinyol, Can Timoner, Konvent Puntzero

Support: Fundació Phonos, OSIC, Fabra i Coats, Casal Solleric, Museu de la Música, Auditori de Barcelona, Institut Ramón Llull

Photos: Anna Benet

Available for booking

Spike. 2019

Sond/Light Installation

4m x 4m x 3m. 8 channel sound, 14.200 ribbon cables, 210 LEDs, wood, braided steel cable, dmx controllers, custom software.

Spike is a large sculptural sound installation based on recordings of electromagnetic fields. The artists captured the invisible electromagnetic fields that he was encountering during a regular day from all kinds of common electronic devices. The frequencies were captured using a magnetic antenna and a pickup coil.

A suspended wooden structure hangs 14.200 ribbon cables used in old computers. More than 300 of those cables have a little LED at the end that synchronizes with the sound material. The sculpture performs the recordings of invisible electromagnetisms that surround us while creating a sort of shield experience once you are inside. 

Credits 

Created during a residency:  Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts

Idea | Construction | Light | Sound | Software: Marc Vilanova

Studio Assistant: Alex Jacobsen

Help: John Round, Katie Marya, Tyler Swain

Technical Support: Prototype Design Lab, Metropolitan Community College

Special thanks: Josh Johnson, Holly Kranker, Igi Ayedun, Sylvie Fortin, Rachel Adams, Chris Cook, Cameron A Granger, Rodney Ewing, Irini Miga, Adam Milner, Kandis Friesen, Jes Fan, Melanie Mclain, J.C Todd, Joel Kuennen, Konvent.0

Camera: Itzi Calle

Video Edit: Mac Vilanova

Color: Carles Pons Altimira

Sound Mixing: Santiago Latorre

Photo: Itzi Calle, Colin Conces

Available for booking