This site-specific sound installation commemorates pioneer daredevil aviator Charles K. (“Charlie”) Hamilton making the first round trip flight between New York City and Philadelphia on June 13, 1910, taking off from and returning to Governors Island. The installation works with the themes of air, floating and simple motorized devices featuring inflated latex balloons as sound conduits. Donut-shaped latex balloons located both in the hidden inner stairwell and the pantry room naturally amplify low frequencies made by motors hidden in the center. Meanwhile, an ongoing “tapestry” of twister balloons is created and recorded each day, the audio library increasing as the balloons disintegrate.
Featured works include:
Floating
Donut-shaped latex balloons located both in the secret inner stairwell and the pantry room naturally amplify low frequencies made by motors hidden in the center (no speakers or external sound sources are used). Invisible patterns of sound intensity create silent acoustic “holes” in the pantry room, reflecting the visual image.
Balloon Tapestry with the Sound of Its Own Making (Tribute to Robert Morris)
The artist will contribute daily to her “tapestry” of twister balloons in colors that reflect on the life of “aeronaut” Charles Hamilton. The sound of the making of the tapestry, along with any ancillary sounds, will be recorded. When the activity is not happening, the tapestry, in its ongoing state, will be displayed in the room and the recording will be played back, both as a documentation of the ongoing process. As the audio library increases, the balloon tapestries will slowly disintegrate. (Balloon tapestry sound action will typically occur from 1pm-1:30pm each day of the exhibition.) The audio library is available and updated weekly online at https://www.judydunaway.com/aeronautrecordings.html
