Response to SONICreflection

SONICreflection is a piece done by artist Zulkifle Mahmod in 2016.

About the artist

Zulkifle is one of Singapore’s leading sound artist. He is known for integrating 3-D forms with his ‘sound constructions’ and ‘sound-scapes’. Some of his known works are Dialog (2016), Sonic Tower (2016), and Raising Spirits, Restoring Souls which was shown in Singapore Art Museum previously. They could all be found in his website.

SONICreflection

Currently being shown in the Singapore Biennale, it is made of wok lids, tweeters, pencil microphones, computer with software amplifiers, sound card and aluminium.

From the Singapore Biennale, taken in Singapore Art Museum (SAM)

From the Singapore Biennale, taken in Singapore Art Museum (SAM)

From the image above, we see how the wok lids are being arranged. As we see the work, there will be a myriad of sounds that is being played from the work itself. Overall, it sounds like a crowded place in Singapore, and it is made up of various sound from different events/activities such as dialogues, people selling items in their stall, clanking and washing of utensils, and many more.

The work was done under the notion that

“Singapore in the twenty-first century is a mélange of sights, smells and sounds of various Southeast Asian communities that have taken root here in recent years.”

– Louis Ho

The artist recorded those sounds from various places in Singapore and using the tweeters mounted on the wok lids and pencil microphones, the sound is being played and amplified.
The use of wok lids not only help to reflect the sound but also reflects the idea of a dialogue between sound and site through the use of everyday found objects and ready-mades.

Close up of SONICreflection in SAM

Close up of SONICreflection in SAM

Why i chose this work

The work inspires me as it uses wok lids – something quite common in our everyday lives and also a very important part of our society as it is part of the cooking tool, and transforms them into speakers. Using multiple wok lids together, it brings about the idea of a united community, and that the sounds, despite different, are coming together to form a work harmoniously.
This is something that i was trying to explore to the idea of how everyday sounds like cars driving by and rain falls can help to define time. Although different in concept, but this gives me the insight as to what i could do further with sound recordings of everyday life.

Instructions on how i think it is installed

Drawn out diagram for what i think are the specifications for the installation

Drawn out diagram for what i think are the specifications for the installation

Follow the diagram above.

Wok lids that are on the wall:
10 across, 8 in height. Total 80.

Wok lids on top of the walled wok lids:
9 across, 7 in height. Total 63.

In total 143 wok lids.

Flush the wok lids together.
Ensure that the blue LEDs are used for the wok lids that are on the wall and the yellow LEDS are used for the wok lids that are on top of the walled wok lids.

Run the cables from the back of the wok lids and through the wall. Cable tie the wires from each wok.

 

 

Done for Week 2 (270117) and Week 3 (310117).

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