Epiphany

Are negative thoughts and feelings necessary stages in triggering an epiphany? Explore the space and find out.

This virtual spatial sound installation explores the theme of epiphany in an abstract manner.

In a dark room, which at first glance appears empty, there are invisible trigger points. Some activate light sources and cause individual notes of a powerful chord to sound. Other points, however, cause a random light source to disappear again and confront the viewer with nihilistic quotations from film and literature.

But how does one find trigger points that are not visible? Each point emits a short melody when approached. Using a MaxMSP patch for binauralisation, the viewer is able to locate the trigger points using only their sense of hearing. Through subtle differences in the melody, the attentive viewer can distinguish which type of trigger they are approaching.

A battle between positive and negative emotions, with the viewer at its centre.

Once the viewer has finally managed to activate all the positive trigger points, a previously inaccessible area opens up in the centre of the room. Upon entering this area, the installation’s crescendo begins. The powerful chord is complete; the lights shine at full intensity. The goal – the epiphany – has been achieved.