Voldemar Johansson Sound Exhibition
- An immersive sound installation challenges conventional notions of music and space.
- Artist and composer Voldemar Johansson presents his latest performance, Thawing (Atkusnis), which reimagines the organ—a cornerstone of Western music—as an immersive sculpture.By synthesizing steel, sound, and spatial composition,...
- Thawing functions as a sculptural instrument,allowing audiences to experience the physicality of sound.
Voldemar Johansson Explores Sound as Sculpture in “Thawing (Atkusnis)”
Table of Contents
- Voldemar Johansson Explores Sound as Sculpture in “Thawing (Atkusnis)”
- Voldemar Johansson: Deconstructing Sound into Sculptural Form
An immersive sound installation challenges conventional notions of music and space.
Artist and composer Voldemar Johansson presents his latest performance, Thawing (Atkusnis),
which reimagines the organ—a cornerstone of Western music—as an immersive sculpture.By synthesizing steel, sound, and spatial composition, Johansson creates an inclusive acoustic environment, inviting visitors to navigate the sound field.
Thawing
functions as a sculptural instrument,allowing audiences to experience the physicality of sound. The work, constructed from steel pipes, draws inspiration from organ stops and membrane structures, proposing a movement that generates resonance. The sculpture embodies the standing wave
phenomenon, where sound wave fluctuations within the space determine pitch and harmonic structure. Unlike a conventional organ, Johansson’s composition is arranged throughout the exhibition space, diffusing the sound and fostering a dynamic, participatory listening experience.
Interaction between movement and perception is central to Thawing.
The sculpture serves as a meditation on the physical and acoustic properties of sound, encouraging listeners to experience the sound of the space and, conversely, how the space shapes the listening experience. The composition is algorithmically controlled, evolving through an electronic system that modulates airflow and sound sequences, resulting in a shifting soundscape that emphasizes the connections between form, vibration, and human presence.
Johansson’s artistic approach is deeply rooted in the convergence of art,science,and technology. This is evident in previous works such as Aero Torrents
and Concord,
where natural forces and sonic phenomena merge into immersive installations. Johansson’s background includes studies at the Institute of Sonology at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Netherlands, and the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. He has participated in events such as the venice Architecture Biennale and the Ruhrtriennale. His research explores the discourse of sound,space,and perception.
the exhibition is part of a series of contemporary art shows, which includes solo exhibitions and group shows. the program aims to enrich the local art scene by providing a platform for experimentation and collaboration, encouraging artists to create new works that respond to the unique characteristics of the exhibition space. Several past exhibitions have been nominated for the purvītis Prize,including Louise Rukšāne’s Fold,
Rudolf Stamera’s Voices in my head,
and Maija Kurševa’s Page on the page.
The space is supported by the State Culture capital Foundation.
Voldemar Johansson: Deconstructing Sound into Sculptural Form
Introduction: Exploring the Soundscapes of Voldemar Johansson
Artist and composer Voldemar Johansson is making waves in the contemporary art scene. His groundbreaking work, “Thawing (Atkusnis),” transforms the traditional perception of music and space. This Q&A delves into Johansson’s artistic vision,exploring his unique approach too sound,sculpture,and immersive experiences.
Breaking Down “Thawing (Atkusnis)”
What is “Thawing (Atkusnis)”?
“Thawing (Atkusnis)” is an immersive sound installation that reimagines the organ as a sculptural instrument. Johansson’s work invites audiences into an acoustic habitat, prompting explorations into the physicality of sound.
how is “Thawing (Atkusnis)” different from a traditional organ?
Rather than presenting sound in a conventional format, Johansson arranges his composition throughout the exhibition space. This diffusion of sound promotes a dynamic, participatory experience, encouraging listeners to relate to the space. the design of the installation is inspired by organ stops and membrane structures.
How does “Thawing (Atkusnis)” work?
“Thawing (Atkusnis)” is constructed from steel pipes and uses algorithmic control to modulate airflow and sound sequences. This creates a shifting soundscape that emphasizes the connection between form, vibration, and human presence. This also allows audiences to experience the “standing wave” phenomenon, where fluctuations determine pitch.
What is the meaning of the title, “Thawing (Atkusnis)”?
The title suggests a transformation, a release.It embodies the process of breaking down barriers and re-imagining structures.
The Artistic Vision of Voldemar Johansson
What is Voldemar Johansson’s artistic background?
Johansson’s artistic approach is rooted in the intersection of art, science, and technology. He studied at the Institute of Sonology at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Netherlands, and the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music.
What other works has Voldemar Johansson created?
Johansson’s previous works include “Aero Torrents” and “Concord”.These installations explore immersive environments where natural forces and sonic phenomena merge.
How does johansson’s work relate to space and perception?
The sculpture fosters interaction between movement and perception. It encourages listeners to appreciate the interplay of sound and space, and explore how the space shapes listening.
Exploring the Exhibition Context
What is the exhibition’s purpose?
The exhibition is part of a series of contemporary art shows. it aims to enrich the local art scene by providing a platform for experimentation and collaboration.
What kind of art is featured in the series?
The series includes solo exhibitions and group shows. It encourages artists to create new works that respond to the unique characteristics of the exhibition space.
Are there any notable past exhibitions?
Past exhibitions have been nominated for the Purvītis Prize, including “Fold” by Louise Rukšāne, “Voices in my head” by Rudolf Stamera, and “Page on the page” by Maija Kurševa.
Who supports the exhibition space?
The exhibition space is supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation.
Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
| ———————– | ——————————————————————————————————————– |
| Artwork | “Thawing (Atkusnis)” |
| Artist | Voldemar Johansson |
| Medium | Immersive sound installation / sculptural instrument |
| Concept | Reimagines the organ; explores the physicality of sound and spatial composition |
| Key Elements | Steel pipes, algorithmic control, shifting soundscapes, standing wave phenomenon |
| Goal | to create a dynamic, participatory listening experience; to emphasize connections between form, vibration, and human presence |