X is an interactive sound machine. Notes within the machine are generated in random order until the PIR sensor detects motion during the transformative long pause, unveiling the hidden “Ode to Joy.” This revelation is temporary; the music reverts to its original chaotic state if absent further motion, and the cycle recommences. The choice not to reveal “Ode to Joy” with every detection of movement is intentional, hoping to not grant full attention to the hidden “Ode to Joy” while emphasizing the intrinsic value of the randomized music and fostering active engagement from the audience. Even if “Ode to Joy” remains undiscovered by some, the experience they derive is still authentic and resonant.
‘X’ symbolizes the unknown, something that can be anything, which is like the installation itself where a series of notes is randomized to produce short and enjoyable music, and most do not realize any problem until they discover the hidden music. The name underscores the concept that the sound remains an ‘X,’ a question to be solved until interaction crystallizes it into a distinct auditory experience where people fill in their answer, where any answer is valuable. What you perceive at the moment is your sound X.
Inspiration
My inspiration is drawn from Schrödinger’s cat, a thought experiment that illustrates an uncertain state that if no one opens up the box, the cat can be within two states, dead or alive; the uncertain state will be transformed into a fixed state only until you check it. Similarly, X remains in a state of musical flux, its true nature undefined until interacted with. Although it seems like there is a true answer from the hiddenness of “Ode to Joy,” I wish to demonstrate the idea that there is never a correct/true order, what you perceive at the moment is what is true and valuable, giving credit to the different music produced.
Appearance
From Schrödinger’s cat theory, I was able to connect to the idea of the “black box” that you only can perceive the input and/or the output, but not the process within how it works. Therefore, I set X’s appearance as a black box, with the hole in the middle only left open for the PIR sensor. The black box speaks to X’s randomness, of no one knowing how exactly the machine will generate sound until they hear it.
Music Selection
The choice of “Ode to Joy” as the hidden melody was driven by its universal message of hope and happiness, aptly serving as a counterpoint to the randomness of the initial sounds and providing a calming, harmonious resolution to offer a moment of clarity and uplift amid the stressful finals week.
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