zimoun installs a soundscape of motorized paper bags inside a shipping container

zimoun installs a soundscape of motorized paper bags inside a shipping container

using simple materials and commonplace industrial objects, swiss artist zimoun constructs architecturally-minded soundscapes that explore the mechanical rhythm and flow of prepared systems. these minimalist constructions comprise a blend of motorized elements and everyday mediums, creating a tension between the orderly patterns of modernism and the otherwise chaotic forces of life. 

zimoun : 317 prepared dc-motors, paper bags, shipping container
video courtesy of ZIMOUN

on the occasion of art basel 2016, zimoun has been commissioned by sennheiser to create a new immersive installation within an old shipping container. ‘317 prepared dc-motors, paper bags, shipping container’ sees the interior of the volume lined with hundreds of brown paper bags, arranged across the walls, floor, and ceiling. an engine placed inside each bag moves it independently.

the interior of the volume is lined with hundreds of brown paper bags

visitors enter the space one at a time through an opening in the container’s floor. as they arrive inside, viewers are completely surrounded by small sound generation systems, which immerse them in a three-dimensional composition. thousands of paper sounds — crunching, murmuring, rustling and crackling — develop and blend into an all-encompassing audio arrangement. the large number of sound generators, each of which operates independently, creates a complex noise that can never be identically repeated. 

an engine placed inside each bag moves it independently

visitors enter the space one at a time through an opening in the container’s floor