Focus on this artwork and discuss the Background.
"It was important to me for the sound to have a material correspondence, not a virtual one. This type of transformation touched me in a very special way. It created a very direct aesthetic connection." – Thom KubliKubli designed the first version of Black Hole horizon in 2011. He researched the idea of transforming sound into tangible objects, in particular, into free-floating autonomous bodies that occupy and constantly transform physical space. As in earlier works, he explored the potential of transitional processes and their effects on the viewer's perception. It led to developing an environment that encourages playful and explorative social dynamics through the interaction of the audience with the work.
With the creation of the horn sculptures, Kubli reflected on developments in contemporary art such as Anish Kapoor's monumental sculpture of Marsyas and Terry Adkin's work Last Trumpet. He also found inspiration in the historical noise generators Intonarumori by the futuristic painter and composer Luigi Russolo and in the natural trumpets Dungchen, which are played on Tibetan ceremonials.
As part of a collaboration with the Architecture Department of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and EMPAC, Troy, New York, a first version of the work was realized in summer 2012. Kubli worked closely with astrophysicist Zackery Balanger and mechatronics engineer David Jaschik to address the significant engineering, thermal, and physical challenges.
natural trumpet Anish Kapoor Dungchen Anish Kapoor's Marsyas sculpture Terry Adkin's Luigi Russolo contemporary art thermal EMPAC Thom Kubli Intonarumori astrophysicist mechatronics engineer Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute