The “three noisemakers” were created for the WAS YOUNG: crayons in the ashtray exhibition, a gallery installation consisting of childhood themes, while prioritizing play and interactivity.
Each noisemaker explored interaction with sound in a unique way. The first (cyan), through an oscillating speaker and the metallic components tossed inside it. The second (red) through an amplified sheet of metal, upon which wind-up toys could freely be let loose. The third (yellow), a circuit-bent radio attached to electrodes (bolts), which humans could touch, making the radio scream and whirl incessantly.
Following suit of Pete Prodoehl's work, the three noisemakers were created to be as simple and direct as possible; a single red button, plastic toys to be trifled with, circuitry and wires exposed, revealing the mechanisms' inner guts. The wooden structure of each piece serves a utilitarian function, not attempting to be anything beyond it, only to be sturdy, solid, and a container for the sonic phenomena.
Premiered at Yours Truly Gallery, Milwaukee, WI, 2018.