Overview
Aurora’s Aeolian Harp is named for Aeolus, an ancient god of the wind, and Aurora, a goddess of the dawn.
An Aeolian Harp (or wind harp) is a musical instrument that is "played" by the wind. This hardware/software “instrument” is an Aeolian Harp that is played by the solar wind.
In the software version, the "strings" of the harp are digitally synthesized using physical modeling techniques, and the "wind" is real-time solar wind data streamed from the NASA ACE satellite. Science consultant for the project is Dr. George Millward of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) / CU.
The hardware is based primarily on the Arduino platform. The physicalized output hardware is currently under development (see videos). This hardware controls the tensioning of multiple strings, attached to lengths of sheet metal, for pitch adjustment, using small motors. An audio transducer is used for controlling the excitation of the assembly. All of the electro-mechanical activity is controlled through Max / Arduino software. The instrument runs in conjunction with a simultaneous live performance, or as a stand-alone installation. The software version is built with Max/MSP and the base version will be available for free download and use.
Concept
By re-framing natural phenomenon as communication processes we can re-contextualize our place in the world in an effort to formulate appropriate design strategies. Re-engaging these processes as nodes in the living social network establishes those processes as contributing elements in the dialog with our past and future. By giving voice to these processes, a sonic voice, this dialog can be imagined.
Recognizing these natural phenomena, listening to the sonic fingerprints, and immersing ourselves in this aural architecture, connects us to the natural world in unexpected, subtle and sometimes spectacular ways.
Connecting a living process, by transposing its activity into an accessible perceptual realm, allows this voice to sing, and helps to tell a story, a story of our relationship to our own perceptions, and to the natural world.
Our engagement with the invisible forces around us radically affects our relationship with the culturally and historically constructed world. By framing these processes within a communications context we situate our humanity within a more inclusive sphere.
Deployment
The platform is meant to be extensible and already consists of several iterations. One iteration will be installed at the Denver Art Museum in November 2009 as part of the EMBRACE show, in collaboration with Timothy Weaver, Brigid Mcauliffe, Josh Fishburn and Nick Meyers. Another iteration will be performed as part of the Communikey Festival of Electronic Arts in Boulder, Colorado in April 2009. This will be a mobile audiovisual performance utilizing a custom mobile hardware platform (see images).
The Harp has also been informally performed at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in August of 2009.
