anne niemetz’s kihikihi electronic insect orchestra composes interactive sound installation
kihikihi installation consists of sculptural tree structures and electronic insect devices that respond to user interaction.
Kihikihi draws from chorus cicada’s appearance and sound
The Kihikihi installation by Anne Niemetz explores the sonic and visual characteristics of cicadas through an interactive electronic system. The project draws from the chorus cicada (Amphipsalta zelandica), a species common in New Zealand, renowned for its rhythmic and persistent sound production. The insect is known in Māori as ‘kihikihi wawā.’ ‘Kihikihi’ is an onomatopoeic term representing the cicada’s call, while ‘wawā’ refers to a loud, indistinct noise. The sound installation references the ecological interrelationship between insects, plants, and humans, emphasizing their interconnected roles within shared ecosystems.
Anne Niemetz’s installation produces polyrhythmic sound cloud
The Kihikihi installation by designer Anne Niemetz consists of sculptural tree structures and electronic insect devices that respond to user interaction. Participants activate the system by placing the electronic insects onto the sculptural trees, triggering both sound and light. Each insect emits a distinct rhythmic pattern. Forming an insect orchestra, the insects’ voices blend and interweave into a polyrhythmic sound cloud. The trees generate a continuous ambient sound, which subtly shifts upon interaction with the insects. Emitting a gentle wind-like sound, the tree sculptures provide an airy layer to the beats of the insects. This system simulates the dynamic acoustic environment of a natural insect chorus.
The integration of sonic, tactile, and visual elements allows for an exploration of interactive behaviors within an artificial ecosystem. The project highlights the acoustic presence of insects and their ecological significance while prompting reflection on declining insect populations and the potential consequences of technological replacements, such as robotic pollinators.
project info:
name: Kihikihi
designer: Anne Niemetz
sculpture and electronics design: Newton Chan
sound coding support: Sam Carswell
print design: Ethan Sheaf-Morrison
generously supported by: The David Bermant Foundation, Victoria University of Wellington
thank you: Zach Challies, Maxe Fisher, Holger Foerterer, Claire Freeman, Ran Gilboa, Michael Groufsky, Ken Howe, Steven Lam, Stephanie Linke, Micheal McKinnon, Byron Mallet, Jim Murphy, Nagare Negishi, Zed Ng, Lisa Nickson, Garrick Northover, Nadia Pantidi, Nigel Parry, Bess Rochlitzer, Tanya Ruka, Warren Sakey, Anna Schreier, Jan Smitheram, Geoff Stahl, Victoria Vesna, Jelena Rukavina Vuckovic
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