Current MillSpace artist-in-residence Phil Moody is planning a photographic essay with piano accompaniment in Armley Mills’ working 1920s cinema. It is being held on Sunday 29th April at 2pm and will be the final opportunity to view and discuss his Objects and Power exhibition in the MillSpace.
In this space I created an interactive sound installation from various pieces of the mill’s collection. I used old lampshades, cogs, wooden mallets and swage irons as percussive elements which were hit with small solenoids and piano hammers. Everything was triggered using a laptop and an iPad, with which the audience were able to control the music being played.
The space was a jungle of wires and lost noises, which civilised itself into tidy white veins, satisfied clicks and soft rings. I loved sitting in the middle of the room becoming familiar with each minute detail.
I dreamed of creating a piece of music for people which they could enjoy without trying to understand what I was thinking.
Even the least sure never asked, “what does this mean?”
When Luke first came to Armley Mills I showed him around one of our objects stores. I can remember him pausing in certain places and reaching into boxes to thoughtfuly handle old cogs or weights before putting them back. At the time I had no idea what he was doing.
Over the weeks the small room in the MillSpace became crowded with wires, tools and other electronic equipment I honestly couldn’t identify. One day I came down to speak to Luke, only to find he’d gone out. As I was turning to leave I heard noises. Subtle little raps, pings and thunks that were too quiet to properly make out.
I snuck over and peeked in the window, to see museums objects attached to the walls and ceiling, in some cases hanging down or propped-up on the floor. Each had a cable snaking to it with a tiny hammer attached. As I watched, the hammers moved in succession, rapping on the objects and creating the delicate, strangely disquietening symphony I’d heard from the door. It was peculiar to see objects I’ve passed frequently but never looked a twice, placed together in harmony and being used to create something.
Luke’s residency is now coming to an end but it has been fascinating to watch the progression of his work. If you’d be interested in seeing his exhibition and taking part in it yourself, he will be in the MillSpace at the following times and is happy for people to drop by and have a go at creating music. Details are below:
Friday 27th – Saturday 28th January 2012
