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Outline
This is a work that controls the lights and sounds of 32 light bulbs
and speakers, which are placed in a circle with a diameter of approximately
17-meters.
Exterior
This work consists of 32 sets of speaker boxes that have 16-centimeter
diameter speakers and light bulbs inserted into them. These are evenly
spaced to form a circle with a diameter of 17-meters. With these speakers
and light bulbs, various sounds and light patterns are created, while
running effects of the lights and sounds are also created. Light and
sound always synchronize within the paired set of light bulb and speaker.
Interface
For this work, participants operate the sounds and lights by freely
using a handheld controller. The controller has 4 dials that select
the direction of movement and speed of the sounds and lights, the duration
of the lights, their pattern, and the tone of the sounds. The operating
interface is a generic revolving dial, which anyone can operate intuitively
with just the touch of his/her hands. Therefore, the participants are
not distracted with the operating system, and, instead, they can focus
on the perception of the lights and sounds while operating. The revolving
analogue dial provides a type of control that is seamless and subtle.
 
Installation site and hour
It is possible for this installation to be placed outdoors. In this
particular context, it is preferred that the work be experienced during
the hours between dusk and night. The ever-changing state of the sun
and the expressions of the clouds become a background to the experience
of the work and allow the participant to become a part of the natural
landscape and time transition. According to the installation site, the
size of this work can change from a diameter of about 8 meters to 20
meters.
System
The signal that is sent from the controller to the computer is converted
to a MIDI signal and then converted to the electric signal with MAX4
that operates the on and off of the light bulbs and speakers. At the
same time, with MSP4, the musical intervals and the tone are controlled
in real-time. A speaker with its light on is creating sound. The intensity
of the light changes according to the selected strength of the sound.
Also, the
sound intensity changes with the speed of the light. If there is no
operation with the controller for a period of time, it switches into
an auto-play mode and the patterns and directions of the lights and
tones change, automatically.
This work is a so-called Mandala that shifts in light and sound. A Mandala
is a drawing with various diagrams, such as circles and squares, that
is used in esoteric practices of Buddhism in countries like Japan and
Tibet. It is clearly known, with the research of the psychologist, C.G.
Jung, that Mandalas are closely connected to the human subconsiousness.
In general, a Mandala is expressed as static, either two-dimensionally
or three-dimensionally; however, it is said, in fact, that Tibetan monks
and Jung see Mandalas as having movement. By way of sound and light,
this installation expresses the psychological energy and dynamic movement
that originally pertains to a Mandala. I hope that participants can
enjoy a dynamic operation when freely controlling the lights and sounds
of this 17-meter diameter circle.
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