nuno pimenta’s ‘the decoy’ is a spatial sound device created for the exhibition ‘the medium is not the message’ at maus hábitos gallery in porto, portugal. this installation consists of a strange, almost fictional object that has invaded the gallery and is floating in it. it is displayed in its passive state, emitting a sonar detection sound that appeals to the curiosity of the passer-by. the presence of visitors inside the speaker-surrounded space triggers a self-contradictory message that fades with time and usage. in this message visitors are considered decoys in a bigger misleading scenario. ‘you are a decoy, this is a decoy, we’re together on this, contained by no content, time is fading here, but here you are.’

nuno pimenta creates a deceptive sound device that transforms its audio content over time
all images © miguel c. tavares

 

 

portuguese based architect nuno pimenta‘s structure for the commissioned installation consists of a kit of modular steel frames — 18 parts, 12 horizontal and 6 vertical –, opaline white and transparent red acrylic sheets. this structure contains 36 10 w sound speakers divided into 4 audio channels. the speakers are activated by a motion sensor connected to an arduino and a parametric sound patch that gradually distorts the message as it is played, transforming what once was a container of no content into an immersive sound experience, an experimental music composition that results from collective engagement.

nuno pimenta creates a deceptive sound device that transforms its audio content over time
it is a sound device created for the exhibition ‘the medium is not the message’ at maus hábitos gallery in porto

nuno pimenta creates a deceptive sound device that transforms its audio content over time
this installation consists of a strange, almost fictional object that has invaded the gallery and is floating in it

nuno pimenta creates a deceptive sound device that transforms its audio content over time
it is displayed in its passive state, emitting a sonar detection sound that appeals to the curiosity of the passer-by

nuno pimenta creates a deceptive sound device that transforms its audio content over time
the structure consists of a kit of modular steel frames, opaline white and transparent red acrylic sheets

nuno pimenta creates a deceptive sound device that transforms its audio content over time
this structure contains 36 10 w sound speakers divided into 4 audio channels

nuno pimenta creates a deceptive sound device that transforms its audio content over time
it transforms what once was a container of no content into an immersive sound experience

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom