From Ear to Here
This project is inspired by French modern artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot “From Here to Ear”. In his artwork, finches randomly stand up or jump on the strings of electric guitars, the poetic sound coming out. The illustrations expand the idea of animals interacting with musical instruments. Guitar, handpan, wind chimes, and trumpet as the artificial landscapes. Accompanying the imagery is an interactive installation activated by the viewer’s body movements, generating the sound of the chime.
The Challenge
The installation of the project has been challenging. The available resources weren’t exactly the same on site as the prototype stage, therefore the arrangements were subject to change which could make the experience very different. Fortunately, we got tremendous help from experienced curators and enthusiastic friends to creatively make use of what we had.
Project Vision
Provide people with an immersive and interactive experience of nature and music by using visuals and sounds.
Guitar and birds
Xiran Luo
Brass and snake
Xiran Luo
Wind chime and dragonflies
Xiran Luo
Design + Execution
Xiran Luo, the visual artist, got the idea and created a series of illustrations with musical instruments and animals. She then reached out to Kiddo Pan with the proposal of making an installation with acoustic interactive experience. After laying out the plan, we started experimenting with electronic components, writing the code and producing the music. The exhibition was a success in November, 2021.
Interaction and instruction
Xiran Luo
Exhibition overview
Xiran Luo
Exhibition close up
Xiran Luo
Project Details
Design Team
Xiran Luo (visual artist, creative director), Kiddo Pan (sound and interactive design)
Photo Credits
Xiran Luo, 2021 (photography, videography)
Open Date
November 2021