An Acoustic Journey Through Britain\u2019s History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bloomberg SPACE \u2013 London 9 Feb 2023 \u2013 15 Jul 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\nOliver Beer, Albion Waves<\/em>, 2023. Photo by Marcus Leith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Oliver Beer\u2019s latest installation, Albion Waves, offers a unique and immersive exploration of Britain\u2019s material history and its ever-evolving position across the globe. The innovative installation draws inspiration from the 14,000 Roman artifacts discovered at the Bloomberg site during the 2012-2014 archaeological excavations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Albion Waves consists of 28 historic British vessels suspended from the ceiling, creating a constellation of objects that span over 2,000 years of British history. Each vessel has a microphone inside, which amplifies the object\u2019s \u201cvoice\u201d when triggered by visitors\u2019 movement. As visitors move through the space, their interaction with the work creates a gentle orchestral song, allowing the viewer to literally \u201cplay\u201d the installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beer complements the sound installation with dynamic new \u2018Resonance Paintings,\u2019 which use the vessels\u2019 sounds to move finely ground pigment into beautiful geometric patterns on canvas. Beer explains that \u201cjust like a seashell makes a sound, every vessel that\u2019s ever been made in the history of object making is also constantly, quietly resonating at its own musical note: physical form and musical harmony are inseparable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Albion Waves is an evolution of Beer\u2019s landmark solo exhibition in 2019 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The installation builds upon his exploration of natural acoustic phenomena, where every empty vessel possesses a natural resonance determined by its specific volume and geometry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beer\u2019s unique ability to uncover hidden music and stories has led to his work being exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the Sydney Opera House, and most recently, the 59th Venice Biennale. In Albion Waves, he bathes the space in blue light, unifying the elements of sound, light, and color to create an immersive experience that allows visitors to connect with the evolution of British culture and object making across the centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The installation is on display at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE from February 9th to July 15th, 2023. London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE, located on the site of Bloomberg\u2019s European headquarters, offers visitors an immersive experience of the ancient Temple of Mithras and a chance to see a collection of Roman artifacts found during the building excavations. The ground floor gallery showcases contemporary art, aiming to present engaging and thoughtful works while bringing fresh perspectives to the site\u2019s multi-layered history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oliver Beer, a multidisciplinary artist trained in musical composition, visual arts, and cinematic theory, often explores the intersection of music and visual arts through his live performances, films, installations, and sculptures. His work seeks to reveal the hidden acoustic properties of vessels, bodies, and architectural environments while exploring the unifying potential of music and art that resonates across history, generations, and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Albion Waves is not only a captivating installation but also a testament to Beer\u2019s innovative approach to art-making. By combining sound, light, and color, he creates a multisensory experience that invites visitors to engage with the rich history of Britain through its material culture. As visitors traverse through the installation, they become an integral part of a living, breathing portrait of Britain\u2019s past 2,000 years, celebrating the resilience and evolution of its cultural identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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