Samson Young
Monday, 12 March 2012
Work from Signal Path II: Sinister Resonance.
“Signal Path II: Sinister Resonance is a site-specific sound installation. I meditated at various locations within/around/outside of the installation site while wearing a sensor that turns my brainwaves into sound. Sensors monitor eight sets of electroencephalographic signals while I attempt to focus my attention. Each signal generates one sinetone or squarewave. Each tone occupies a specific frequency range. When attention level is above a certain threshold, tones will be redistributed to approximate the harmonic series, producing a “fat,” “harmonious” sound field. Paradoxically, as soon as I became aware of the alignment of tones, I am distracted. This constant focus-distraction constitutes a perpetual signal feedback loop that “short-circuits” the sense of hearing. The sound of my meditation was recorded and played back via small media players, which were installed at the same spots where I meditated. I invite listeners to stand at the same spot where I meditated and listen to the continuous drones that were generated by my brain activities, while watching a video of my full shot from the back. Like the listeners, in the video I am shown standing still, listening.” – Samson Young