The idea is based on the architecture of De Appel's new public space. The big wall which divided the space length-ways in twohas been partly pulled down in the middle and also broken through from above to obtain a high open space in the building with a gallery on the first floor. The theatrical point of attention which arises is emphasized still more by a pair of skylight-windows above this space in the middle. My plan is, as it were, temporarily to repair the part that has been pulled down by bridging it with energy, by means of movement and sound concentrated into sculpture. 20 drummers, alternating with each other beat an unbroken drum roll from first light until darkness falls. The development of the sound's volume will run parallel with that of the daylight which comes into the space via the skylight-window.
Construction and technical details: 10 snare-drums are arranged in a row in the middle of the space, under the skylight-window. Microphones have been installed above and there are monitors on stands on both sides of the space so that they can easily been seen by light-sensitive cells installed near the skylight-window. The light data and the drum volume, which is brought up to a parallel level, is demonstrated visually on a simple graduated scale on the monitors. Thus, the performing drummers constantly have the possibility to check their collective sound.
Performance: When the first light enters the space, the performers start rolling the drums very softly and even. The sound gets louder when the light is increasing. There is climax when the sun shines, and relapses when when the sun vanishes behind the clouds. Parallel with the decreasing of the light the volume of the sound decreases until the space is dark and silent again.
year
1986
date
11.05.1986
location
Fd. De Appel Amsterdam
performed by
20 volunteer drummers
curator
Frank Gribling
photography
Lex van Lith
video
Frank Gribling
technical
Technical assistance: S.T.E.I.M.
Software: Paul van Goudoever.