STONE IN FOCUS

Interactive Soundinstallation, 2021

The installation was developed for the “Kunsthalle Graz” in 2021 as part of the exhibition “part of the game”.

New technology, computers and digital progress have given their name to our current form of society after the industrial age: the information age. Digital communicative networks, electronic data processing and digital global networking have been and are becoming increasingly important. Knowledge and information are becoming raw materials. Also in view of the current world-wide pandemic situation, digital communication and information transfer is becoming an indispensable asset in a modern society. With the new age an abundance of information developed and humans have more information at their disposal than they can process as an individual. It seems increasingly difficult to grasp the essence and make judgments through the sheer amount information. With the flood of information, it seems increasingly difficult for many to distinguish which knowledge is important and which is not. Too much information and the multitude of technical aids for its order and processing lead to excessive demands and as a consequence to lapses of concentration and a remembrance. This results in psychological stress, forgetfulness and the digital dementia referred to by science.
Stone as an expression of the eternal and a sign of permanence. Stone is solid, resistant and can thus be seen as a compact resting object that is Resolute and fixed in its nature. Placed in the center of the room, it serves as an object in the center, a “Stone in Focus”. Centering or, in a narrower sense, concentrating is to be illustrated in the stone. The sound installation is meant to direct the willful focusing of the viewer’s attention to an object that is in the center. The stone as a raw material is presented as a substance of safe knowledge and information. Due to its nature it is not usually used as a sound body or is not known as a suitable body for sounds. By means of strings that lead from all directions of the room to the stone, the focus on it is strengthened. It becomes the central point. With the help of technical means information is taken from it, for which it is not known - vibration and consequently sound. As in the techniques of meditation, the conscious control of attention is directed to an information-generating object. An in-depth reflection is stimulated that leads to a path of knowledge and resting decision. In the best case, the viewer takes an awareness of attentiveness to the resting from this interactive installation for themselves.