I am an Instrument

I am an Instrument, Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry Dates: From Now – on-going Location: The Main Staircase Sir Alfred Herbert’s vision for his art gallery was that it would promote his vision for the City of Coventry, that it’s inhabitants could see beyond their industrial roots to “wider views, far horizons and deeper thinking”. Inspired by Sir Alfred original vision and the architectural plans for the original Gallery I have created a new installation on the staircase that allows visitors to play with and explore the full height of the building. The music for the piece is designed to generate a feeling of progression: progression up the staircase, progression from having no art gallery to Coventry having it’s first and a progression in art that now incorporates new technologies, tools and spaces. The music contains sounds recorded around the Gallery and elements of Lady Herbert’s speech at the opening of the Gallery in 1960. You are invited to explore the effect of your movements on the music simply by using the staircase. This is the second of three pieces to use the staircase, the first being “lully, lulla” which allowed visitors to control a choir singing The Coventry Carol.