Playing the Building was an art installation byDavid Byrne, ex-singer ofTalking Heads, andFärgfabriken [sv], an independent art venue inStockholm.[1] It originally ran from October 8 to November 13, 2005, atFärgfabriken. The concept would later be realized inNew York City in theBattery Maritime Building in 2008 (May 31 to August 10), inLondon inThe Roundhouse in 2009 (August 8 to 31), and inMinneapolis at the Aria building in theMinneapolis Warehouse Historic District in 2012 (November 5 to December 4).[2]
The concept entailed utilizing the infrastructure of these buildings and spaces as resonating bodies to create sounds. Different methods are used to produce the sounds, including hitting columns with metal rods, strapping vibrating motors to girders, and blowing air through pipes.[3] The sounds often resemblemusical instruments, includingorgans andflutes. Byrne described the installation as "a very democratic instrument: Everyone is reduced to the same amateur level".[4]
References
edit- ^Braiker, Brian (22 June 2008)."A Building For A Song: Talking Head David Byrne's latest project turns a New York City landmark into a musical instrument".Newsweek. Vol. 151, no. 22.ProQuest 214250338. Retrieved22 December 2023.
- ^"Playing the Building".davidbyrne.com. Retrieved5 March 2015.
- ^Kennedy, Randy (30 May 2008)."David Byrne's New Band, With Architectural Solos".The New York Times. New York Times. Retrieved11 February 2010.
- ^"QUICK TAKES; David Byrne toils in factory".Los Angeles Times. 11 October 2005.ProQuest 422024811. Retrieved22 December 2023 – viaProQuest.
 | This article about a sculpture in the United States is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
 | This music-related article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |