TRIMPIN

Ringo consists of ten metallic frames suspended from the ceiling in a circular formation; each frame has a computer-controlled electromechanical hammer. When the hammers are activated, they produce chromatic scales of percussive sound in the space. The computer can be programmed so that the frames can either play the music of the composer Conlon Nancarrow or of music composed especially for the frames. There are also knobs which the public can turn in order to interactivally change the characteristics of sound. My work is a continuous exploration of aural and visual concepts and how both can be combined in order to cross the threshhold of another dimension of perception: creating automatized (not synthesized) sculptures that produce sound and that are connected to MIDI equipment and computers. Although I use the most advanced technology, the final result is not electronic but rather completely acoustic. By placing the auditory sculptures in certain points of a space, the visual and auditory perceptions of the observer are synchronized. All these elements contribute to constructing a constellation of experiences: those of seeing, touching, hearing.

Trimpin studied music and electromechanical engineering. In 1979 he received a Masters from the University of Berlin in Social Pedagogy, Music and Art. He worked in theatre for many years as a musician and set designer under the direction of Rick Cluchey and Samuel Beckett, among others. Since 1979, Trimpin has worked in the design of sound sculptures, combining musical composition with cybernetic technology. He was a member of the Faculty of Electroacoustic Music Studies at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam (1985-87). Since 1984, Trimpin has done various performances as well as sound and music installations in international festivals, museums, art centres and science centres, including: "Three Ply" in Seattle (1984) and in the Shaffy Theatre in Amsterdam (1985); "PHFFFT" in Poland's Art Museum (1991), at The Kitchen in New York (1993) and at the Fine Arts Palace in Mexico City (1993).

Trimpin

"RINGO"