Mike Marshall : Axis

29 Apr-22 Jun 2013

Overview

'Axis' is the last of three sound installations by Mike Marshall commissioned by the Grundy Art Gallery and devised for the particular architecture of the Gallery’s Rotunda space. This final installation is composed from field recordings made by Marshall of tropical forests in South East Asia. Cicadas, crickets and various bird calls have been combined to form a detailed soudscape that is apparently natural yet carefully constructed. The sound issues from speakers inserted into large sheets of compressed wood sterling board lent against each of the four gallery space walls. Each bird and insect makes its own call to attract mates and demarcate territory, the sounds are repetative and rhythmic, the effect is hypnotic, lulling the senses.