'last breath' is a wearable mask organ designed by ::vtol::

the moscow-based artist and researcher, dmitry morozov (also known as ::vtol::) presents his latest work entitled ‘last breath’. spurred by his own personal experience – and as the name suggests – the wearable mask organ has been developed by morozov in contemplation of the idea of dying. conceived as a kind of symbolic ‘death mask’, the object is imagined for when a person no longer has the strength to use any other instrument, only their own breath.

all images and video © anna kortyukova

the project also derives from morozov‘s research into ‘passive instruments’ and has been designed differently to active musical instruments. the output from the organ needs no additional energy source and requires only the exhaled air of the user. strapped onto a person’s face, the mask facilitates a sort of ‘hybrid symbiosis’ with the user. the operating principle of the ‘last breath’ is fairly simple – the pressure and flow rate of the exhaled air activates the sound from the organ, producing an almost ominous noise.

the design of the instrument means that it doesn’t require any special technique from the user. however, any change in the breathing pattern, either deliberate or caused by physiological factors, will directly affect the output produced. as the work has been conceived from personal circumstances, the project by dmitry morozov overall results in a thought-provoking piece and a haunting musical sound.

project info:

project name: ‘last breath’

design: ::vtol::

photography: anna kortyukova

video: anna kortyukova

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: lynne myers | designboom