Little Helpers
draw attention to the resonant
properties of matter. They act as vibrational prostheses, extending and
enhancing the material force in sound and its impact upon an
environment. They occupy architectural spaces, drawing out the audible
qualities of architectures that may ordinarily go unheard.
Bodies moving through a space trigger motors, sounding whatever object
they are attached to. Movements acquire a resonant trace. The use of
movement as a trigger is intended to initiate performative engagement,
drawing passersby into interactive exchange and making audible the
impact of their movements upon their immediate surroundings.
Quotidian and interstitial spaces such as pavements, corridors and
lifts are the preferred locations for installing Little
Helpers. They are autonomous units that can be deployed in
almost any location (railings, cupboards, fences, hedges,
lampposts...). They require little power to function, using their
numbers to make up for what they lack in individual power. Readily
available materials such as elastic bands, string and sticky tape are
used to fasten them to suitable objects. This enables quick deployment
in suitable sites. An installation/occupation can be set up and taken
down in a short space of time, without requiring lengthy consultations
with property owners or institutional support. Their construction
is light and flexible in order to allow a greater range applications
within diverse spaces.
Documentation of further deployments will be published here as it
becomes available.
Exhibitions:
13/05/09 - 16/05/09: Future Sonic, Manchester.
The Little Helpers will be dispersed throughout Manchester city centre as part of Futuresonic 2009.
05/03/09 - 07/03/09: Clicks or Mortar?, Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle upon Tyne.
The Little Helpers will be resonating the Tyneside Cinema as part of the Clicks or Mortar? festival organised by The Pixel Palace.
01/07/08 - 05/07/08: Tuned City, Berlin, various sites.
The Little Helpers are going to Berlin for the Tuned City festival.
They will be resonating a number of sites throughout the festival. More
information can be found here
11/05/08: Immerse, Dance City, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Little Helpers will be put to work in Dance City, Newcastle
upon Tyne,
as part of the Immerse
Festival.