This is an archived event from Culture Days 2024.
Images
The Decomposing Piano
In-person
Music Nature & outdoors Physical activity & movement Sculpture & installation Self-guidedDate and time
This activity runs the duration of Culture Days.
Location
NAISA North Media Arts Centre
313 Highway 124
South River, ON
Access
Free.
Offered in English.
Wheelchair accessible and has gender-neutral washrooms.
About
The Decomposing Piano is a semi-permanent outdoor installation that explores the effects of the Northern Ontario climate on an upright piano at its location at the NAISA North Media Arts Centre in South River. This is inspired by musical explorations in Australia by Ross Bolleter and others of performing on – and of collecting – ‘ruined’ pianos – pianos left outside in the natural environment for an extended period of time.
The Decomposing Piano at NAISA was installed in December 2022 at a point where the upright piano was still playable despite some tuning deficiencies. As time passes it is gradually becoming more challenging and interesting to play. In the gradual “decomposition” or “weathering” of the piano over time, new sounds emerge. Through its entire decomposition process, the public is invited to play the piano at NAISA and experience its transformation until it is deemed unsafe to play. The NAISATube YouTube Channel features a 24/7 webcam of the Decomposing Piano.
Links
- Information naisa.ca
- Webcam youtube.com
- Performance Videos youtube.com
- Facebook facebook.com
Organizer
New Adventures in Sound Art (NAISA)
New Adventures in Sound Art (NAISA) is a non-profit media arts organization that operates the fully accessible NAISA North Media Arts Centre. Arts presentation with a focus on sound and listening are the basis of its year-round exhibitions, online broadcasts and performances. The centre also includes a café which offers Muskoka Roastery coffee, a variety of teas, sodas, locally-baked goodies and Vegan Soups. Have lunch on an artist’s budget with the Artist’s Special.
New Adventures in Sound Art is located in the traditional territory of the Anishinabewaki peoples covered by the Williams Treaty (1923) and Robinson-Huron Treaty (1850). New Adventures in Sound Art recognizes the significant ongoing contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to aural culture in Canada.