The transformation will be the gallery’s first exhibition of the year — Melbourne-based artist Daniel O’Toole‘s Voices from the Void.
The exhibition is an installation of custom-made brass drums that ‘sing’ when interacted with.
The set of drums are tuned to a chord, creating an evolving soundscape that resonates in harmony.
The exhibition features eight drums displayed as wall hanging objects which, when approached, begin to vibrate and produce a sine wave.
The drum skins, painted black, act as a void drawing focus to the sound which is being projected; singing to the audience and harmonising with the other drums, the room becomes an instrument, and the audience the players.
Mr O’Toole said he was interested in observing how the group might behave in these settings.
“Do people coordinate movements to express particular musical ideas?
“Will the effect of silence and timing become relevant in how people play this piece?
“Is there a meditative and quiet atmosphere to the installation, or does it bring out people’s inner child, and become joyous and noisy?
“With no-one present, the drums sit silent, so this work only sings when interacted with.
“The audience behaviour and exploring different social parameters is just as critical to the artwork as the drums themselves.”
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said this was an incredibly sophisticated and refined installation by Mr O’Toole.
“The opportunity it provides visitors to have a truly unique experience is quite exciting,” Mr Nash said.
“This is a space in which visitors can not only connect with work, but also with their fellow visitors through movement in what Daniel refers to as a ‘non-verbal conversation’.”
Daniel O’Toole’s Voices from the Void opens with an exhibition celebration at 6pm on Friday, February 17, where visitors will have an opportunity to meet and speak with the artist.
The exhibition will be on display until April 9.
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