Rolling 1
The idea is based on the architecture of De Appel's new public space at Prinseneiland.
The big wall which divided the space length-ways in two has 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 was to temporarily repair the part that has been pulled down by bridging it with human energy, by means of movement and sound created by 20 drummers, alternating with each other in 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 between the two walls, under the skylight-window. Microphones have been installed and monitors on stands on both sides of the space, connected with light-sensitive cells 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 for the performing drummers to check their collective sound volume.
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 appears, and relapses 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 |
further information | video-registration by Frank Gribling conservated by Li-ma Amsterdam |
technical | Technical assistance: S.T.E.I.M.
Software: Paul van Goudoever. |