Karkinos

Karkinos is a sound installation that encompasses eleven terracotta sculptures, six exciters, and six solenoids. In this immersive project, the sculptures are brought to life by the exciters and solenoids are employed to produce rhythmic tapping sounds reminiscent of an MRI machine. Karkinos aims to confront our fears head-on and catalyze emotional release, blurring the boundaries between art, technology, and scientific inquiry.


Derived from the ancient Greek word for cancer, Karkinos symbolizes the early understanding and perception of this formidable disease. The sculptures, meticulously crafted in terracotta, embody the physical manifestation of cancer cells. Their intricate details and organic forms aim to evoke a simultaneous sense of fascination and unease within viewers.

The sculptures are brought to life through the integration of exciters, which emit subtle and haunting sounds. These sounds, carefully designed and curated, represent the inner turmoil and hidden fears associated with cancer. As viewers explore the space, the auditory elements heighten their engagement, evoking a visceral response that mirrors the unsettling emotions tied to the subject matter.

To further immerse visitors into the realm of cancer investigation, solenoids are employed to produce rhythmic tapping sounds, reminiscent of an MRI machine. This auditory layer serves as a metaphorical representation of the search for hope and healing, acting as a tool for exploration and discovery. The repetitive tapping resonates throughout the space, creating an atmospheric soundscape that invites introspection and contemplation.

Through this unique amalgamation of sculpture and sound, Karkinos transcends traditional artistic boundaries, bridging the gap between art and science. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of knowledge, enabling us to face our fears and reclaim our agency in the face of adversity.

About the artist(s)

Kevin Ramsay is a composer, producer,  recording/mixing/mastering/sound engineer, and musician on several critically acclaimed international albums. Brooklyn born and based, Ramsay’s work focuses primarily on theoretical, practical aspects of sound recording/reproduction with unpredictable pairings of acoustic and electronic instruments. Kevin’s current works explore new ways to capture, mix, and process immersive audio for playback, on multichannel sound systems.