Nathan Selikoff

Artist
Orlando, Florida, USA

I play with interactivity and motion in time and space: in the colorful swirls of abstract, mathematically generated forms; in the whimsical dancing of a giant cardboard marionette; and in the mysterious movement of light across musical performers.

Inspired by the behavior of systems, science, nature, and music, I combine computer code, traditional materials, and future technology to bring new ideas to life. As people of all ages interact with my art, I hope they experience the same curiosity and wonder that I do during the creative process.

Audiograph
Audiograph
Variable
Computer, Projector, Microphone
2015

A projected clock senses and visualizes the auditory environment in which it is situated, translating sound into light.

The hour and minute hands are represented by real-time audio waves, and the second hand traces out and visually records the frequency spectrum and overall volume of the audio input as it circles the clock. At any given time, the viewer can look at the clock and see not just what time it is, but what the last minute of time in the aural realm looks like.

Audiograph listens to its surroundings and translates sound into light, regardless of the sound’s origin. The tone of human voices, music, traffic, water, and the other sounds found in the city are all different, and will all appear differently on the projected clock face. A large clock is a common object to encounter in the public space, but this clock causes viewers to think differently about the space that they are occupying and moving through, since it enables them to “see sound.” Audiograph also has the potential to transform the tone of the public space it occupies into one of play, interactivity, active listening, and intentionality.

Debuted at Art in Odd Places 2015: TONE.