Harmonographics
Photographer: Sam Mahayni Art Director: Simon Oosterdijk Sound Design: Paul Gerring @ Sines & Cymbals Camera: Sony A7 RII
This video for the Seeing Sound exhibition was made using a modern interpretation of a harmonograph - a scientific apparatus from the Victorian era that generates complex graphic images with swinging pendulums.
Victorian scholars found that each musical chord had its own unique vibrational frequency. When the vibrational frequencies were applied to the harmonograph’s pendulums it caused them to move, creating a specific visual waveform unique to the musical chord. By attaching pens to the pendulums the harmonograph had the ability to draw harmonies, linking sight and sound.
Bringing this process into the 21st century, Sam reconstructed the idea using projected waveforms on a swinging screen. By experimenting with this classic analogue technique using modern digital tools Mahayni and his team have created an intriguingly graphic yet abstract artwork.