Exploring the boundaries where music and language overlap, Nicola L. Hein and Lukas Truniger use hybrid instruments – constructed from drum-skins and electronic components – as devices to turn written texts into pulses of light and percussive sound. As each machine translation emerges, the network of instruments starts to share the texts, transforming written material into aesthetic, visual and sonic patterns, for the performers and spectators to further interact with. Extrapolating from the example of the African talking drum, Membranes builds up an altogether new kind of tone language, constantly shifting and adapting itself before the viewer and performers alike.
Supported by Pro Helvetia – Swiss Arts Council, DICRéAM – Centre National du Cinéma (CNC),Sibylle Kalkhof-Rose Foundation and Le Fresnoy – Studio national des arts contemporains.
BY Nicola L. Hein (DE) Lukas Truniger (CH)
The guitarist, soundartist, philosopher and composer Nicola L. Hein plays the guitar with a focus on an extended sonic range. He builds sound installations and instruments, composes music to integrate questions of philosophy with artistic practice. His works have been realized in more than 30 countries worldwide.He also works as researcher in the field of philosophy, has been giving lectures at different institutions around the world and is a "visiting scholar" at the music department of Columbia University, New York.
Lukas Truniger is a visual artist and musician, who engages in the areas of multimedia installations, sculptural objects, performances and the creation of new musical instruments. He is fascinated by complexity and invisible processes in nature as well as in society. He establishes singular experiences challenging the modalities of perception. His works have been shown in the framework of renowned exhibitions and festivals worldwide.
