Vibration: A Resonant Journey Through Urban Soundscapes and Stillness
Last spring, “Vibration” was a highlight of the 48h Neukölln Art Festival, meticulously curated by Marcel Alexander Mayr and centered around the theme “Urbane Stille.” This project, funded by the festival committee, was featured as a seminal exploration of the delicate interplay between sound and silence in an urban context.
Four performances featuring voice and double bass interplayed with the sound installation, creating new layers of self-perception as both an active participant in and a vessel of sound, while simultaneously being shaped and nurtured by it.
Conceptual Framework and Curation
The project aimed to reflect the often-unnoticed quietude underlying a bustling cityscape and the role we all play on this stage. As the curator and architectural mind behind the acoustic design, Marcel Alexander Mayr transformed the Apotheke – Raum für Musik und Kunst into a soundproof sanctuary. This space served as a vessel to isolate the vibrancy of Berlin’s urban pulse, allowing visitors to engage deeply with both the overt and subtle frequencies of city life and providing a landscape for live music.
Artistic Contributions and Collaborations
“Vibration” harnessed the talents of distinguished artists who interpreted Berlin’s auditory essence through their unique mediums:
• Isabel Rößler, a gifted double bassist, captured the city’s deep, resonant undertones, transforming its everyday hum into a profound musical exploration.
• Efa Hoffmann added layers of vocal texture, blending classical soprano techniques with contemporary sound art to interpret and enhance the city’s acoustic narrative.
• Annette Stemmann contributed a visually and sonically interactive element with a dress made of sound-absorbing materials, which visually echoed the themes of silence and sound.
The project was a resounding success, with all four performances fully booked and the installation drawing acclaim for its innovative approach to urban sounds. The immersive experience provided by “Vibration” allowed attendees to (re-)discover their auditory senses and reconnect with the environment in a uniquely contemplative setting.
