"Dotted surroundings" is how Roswitha von den Driesch and Jens-Uwe Dyffort
describe a series of sound installations in which they interpret places
through the careful addition of sounds in order to open up new forms of
perception and interpretation. Sensitivity to the qualities of a place,
to its history and function, and highlighting its hidden and often forgotten
layers of meaning are the central topoi of these works. The term "dotted"
refers to both visual and musical composition. Button-sized, black piezo
speakers — often installed along given architectural lines —
form sporadic optical and visual markings. In Punktiertes Ufer [Dotted
Bank], for the Great Garden in Herrenhausen, they are fixed to the trunks
of the trees lining the eastern moat for about 400 m. What can be heard
are rhythmic sequences of quiet clicking sounds. The repetitive impulses
were created purely electronically, yet they recall the noises of insects
or birds. Musically they take up the formal principles of Baroque horticulture.
Arched rhythmic figures (quick — slow — quick) refer to the
strict symmetry of the whole installation; short accents running along
the avenue. Reflected by the natural surroundings of water and lawns,
the rhythmic forms mix together and subtly blend into the rhythms of the
environment as a layer of artistic comment. (Markus Steffens)
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