To kick off the new decade, TOPO is hosting a tactile, auditory, and contemplative installation from January 16 to February 15, 2020. Conversation with Falling Spheresby artist ULO, featuring two interactive sound instruments in his exhibition window on the ground floor of 5445 Gaspé Avenue. This exhibition offers an immersive experience, inviting the public to enter the Vitrine space to explore the symbolic relationship between the plurality of Indigenous voices and the cohesion of sound harmonies.
Two circular platforms emit harmonious sounds when touched, blending together. Two circular works combine the typical elements of a campfire—stone and wood—symbolizing the sharing of knowledge and rituals. One emits sustained vocal notes inspired by Native American minor pentatonic scales, creating a rich and dense set of harmonies that form a whole. The other responds with natural, organic, plant-like tones. Inspired by nature and its mystical representations in culture, as well as the symbolism of drums and spheres in culture, this interactive sound installation embodies the vibrations of life and the unification of voices, a dialogue between man and the earth, a reflection around a “deconstructed” fire.
Conversation with Falling Spheres is part of the first thematic cycle of the Frontière program proposed by TOPO for 2019-2021. “Cultures, Languages, Spiritualities: Beyond Borders” brings together three artists from across the Americas who explore the rediscovery of roots and heritage through questions about memory and death.
