Simple falling or spinning movements caused by gravity attract me. When I carefully observe Nature, it seems even complicated phenomena are derived from this simple movement. I think it is the essence of every phenomenon including human emotion.
I felt like a laboratory of gravity existed in my body through my long experience in physical expression as a dancer (Karas 1987~2007). When you solely concentrate on your physicality, you are very conscious of the gravity on your body, resulting in very beautiful movements. These natural or mysterious movements caused by gravity have become the theme of my creation.
The piece is driven by the periodic movement of cranks. However, the rotor (cosmic bird) moves rather freely, changing directions irregularly, as influenced by its gravity and moment of inertia. A magnet and a coil installed in the rotor generate an electric pulse, and the amplified pulse produces sound through speakers.
When I heard the sound of "Cosmic bird" for the first time, I was amazed that such a simple electromagnetic induction sounded so full of life. Weird booming bass sounds were like the flapping feathers of birds, like the pulse of life. These rhythms resonate with rhythms of human physiology and perception. Standing in front of the piece, surrounded by this sound, you might feel some special sense of time where past, present and future are mixed up. The piece presents a tranquil time in which you observe invisible rules of Nature and the universe including yourself.
Shun Ito shunmetalworks.com
