Tethered Oscillator , 2020
solo exhibition
Beatrice M. Haggerty Gallery, University of Dallas, Texas

October 23, 2020 - January 26, 2021

Tethered Oscillator 

The design for the installation was inspired by a Coupled Oscillator, in which springs connect two masses in a tug-of-war that continues to search for a return to equilibrium. In this installation, the center spring is the viewer/performer, who can try to play both theremin at once due to the fact that they are positioned close enough to appear to be in reach.  However, the two theremin are separated far enough that it is difficult to affect both simultaneously necessitating two people six-feet apart with one at each theremin is needed as they communicate and play together on instruments known for being touch-free.

When performed, the theremin sounds return to the viewer/performer through horn shapes constructed of thousands of CDs and DVDs that are woven and suspended as horns in the gallery.  These discs represent past desires and memories, and they form two shiny horn-shaped cacophonies of collective memories that pretend to amplify the theremin. Nevertheless, their use is theatrical that obscures the methods that are actually amplifying the exerted force.  

Echoing the suspended, sculptural horns, the walls surrounding the entrance to the gallery contain two flat horns that dip and rise as they reflect the sculptures. These disc drawings dance along the walls without the pressure and stretching of the suspension, but also without the mass and the text labels of the central sculpture. At times, the relationship between the disc sculptures and the disc drawing appear to complete each other while at other times the distance between them is expansive.

The mission of the Beatrice M. Haggerty Art Gallery is to enhance the cultural environment of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Dallas, as well as to provide outreach to the larger community.  It aims to achieve this goal by engaging the public with a range of visual art that stimulates and challenges, in addition to communicating the broad character of the aesthetic experience. 

Location:
Beatrice M. Haggerty Gallery
Haggerty Art Village
University of Dallas
1845 E. Northgate Drive
Irving, Texas 75062