zimoun puts 1944 metal discs into rotational motion in new audiovisual installation

swiss artist and composer zimoun has a captivating audiovisual installation, setting 1944 thin metal discs into rotational motion with the help of small mechanical motors. ‘1944 prepared dc-motors, MDF panels 72 x 72cm, metal discs ø 8cm, 2020’ — commissioned by Jaeger-LeCoultre as part of ‘the sound maker’ celebration on the art of sound in watchmaking — was produced in collaboration with TETRO. the project produces lively noise, along with strong visual characteristics and structures. 

all images courtesy of zimoun

in zimoun‘s installation, the sounds are created by the friction of the metal discs on their base. each metal disc rotates in its own cycle and rhythm, resulting in complex visual and acoustic overlays and cyclical shifts. the audio and visual effects are dynamic and ever-changing, reminding observers of natural phenomena. 

zimoun’s installation consists of separate MDF elements, which can be arranged in different rectangular shapes depending on the situation in the room. all motors are supplied with the same current – theoretically, this would cause all motors to rotate at the same speed. however, practically, since all the wires on which the metal discs are placed are handmade, each of these wires is slightly different.

these differences in the construction allow each disc to move and rotate in a unique way. some may lie flatter on the panel, and others may rotate faster. the discs, all moving at different speeds, reflect the light in certain positions, resulting in a kind of flickering, similar to the effect we know from water surfaces. this creates a complex individuality and every element develops its own characteristics, while this very individuality affects both visual and acoustic properties of this work. 

the simultaneous simplicity in function and the resulting complexity in behavior is a central particularity of zimoun’s work. ‘the discs seem to appear and dissolve again and it feels as if movements spread over the whole surface of the work and interact with each other. it shows us how we construct our alleged reality ourselves. we begin to relate things to each other and can recognize apparent interactions. in fact, these relationships and complex processes only occur in our minds’ as zimoun describes. standing in front of the work, it feels almost digital, although at the same time there is a strong reference to the physical materials.

project info:

name: 1944 prepared dc-motors, MDF panels 72 x 72 cm, metal discs Ø 8cm, 2020
artist: zimoun
produced in collaboration with: TETRO

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: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom