anne niemetz's kihikihi electronic insect orchestra composes sound installation

Kihikihi draws from chorus cicada’s appearance and sound

The Kihikihi installation by Anne Niemetz explores the sonic and visual characteristics of cicadas through an interactive electronic system. The project draws from the chorus cicada (Amphipsalta zelandica), a species common in New Zealand, renowned for its rhythmic and persistent sound production. The insect is known in Māori as ‘kihikihi wawā.’ ‘Kihikihi’ is an onomatopoeic term representing the cicada’s call, while ‘wawā’ refers to a loud, indistinct noise. The sound installation references the ecological interrelationship between insects, plants, and humans, emphasizing their interconnected roles within shared ecosystems.

all images courtesy of Anne Niemetz

Anne Niemetz’s installation produces polyrhythmic sound cloud

The Kihikihi installation by designer Anne Niemetz consists of sculptural tree structures and electronic insect devices that respond to user interaction. Participants activate the system by placing the electronic insects onto the sculptural trees, triggering both sound and light. Each insect emits a distinct rhythmic pattern. Forming an insect orchestra, the insects’ voices blend and interweave into a polyrhythmic sound cloud. The trees generate a continuous ambient sound, which subtly shifts upon interaction with the insects. Emitting a gentle wind-like sound, the tree sculptures provide an airy layer to the beats of the insects. This system simulates the dynamic acoustic environment of a natural insect chorus.

The integration of sonic, tactile, and visual elements allows for an exploration of interactive behaviors within an artificial ecosystem. The project highlights the acoustic presence of insects and their ecological significance while prompting reflection on declining insect populations and the potential consequences of technological replacements, such as robotic pollinators.

Kihikihi explores the sonic and visual characteristics of cicadas

electronic insects respond to user interaction with sound and light

the installation mimics the natural acoustic environment of cicadas

participants activate insects by placing them on sculptural trees

each insect produces a distinct rhythmic pattern

a network of sounds forms an interactive insect orchestra

tree sculptures emit ambient sounds, reacting to insect placements

project info:

name: Kihikihi
designer: Anne Niemetz

sculpture and electronics design: Newton Chan

sound coding support: Sam Carswell
print design: Ethan Sheaf-Morrison

generously supported by: The David Bermant Foundation, Victoria University of Wellington

thank you: Zach Challies, Maxe Fisher, Holger Foerterer, Claire Freeman, Ran Gilboa, Michael Groufsky, Ken Howe, Steven Lam, Stephanie Linke, Micheal McKinnon, Byron Mallet, Jim Murphy, Nagare Negishi, Zed Ng, Lisa Nickson, Garrick Northover, Nadia Pantidi, Nigel Parry, Bess Rochlitzer, Tanya Ruka, Warren Sakey, Anna Schreier, Jan Smitheram, Geoff Stahl, Victoria Vesna, Jelena Rukavina Vuckovic

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom