Study in Balance No.1
Mixed media installation. 2023.
Variable dimensions. Two 6” clip-on fans, “Writings about Music” by Steve Reich, 8” x 22” shelf.
Photo by Paul Litherland.
In his book Writings about Music (1974), composer Steve Reich outlines how repetitive structures and rhythmic processes can be used to write music. In Studies in Balance No.1, the techniques outlined in Reich's book are applied to the physical book itself. Pages flap in repetitive patterns and change direction based on processes of subtly changing air currents. Most importantly though, the work attempts to capture the hypnotic energy and sense of perpetual tension that characterizes much of Reich's music.