sound and listening
Sonic sculpture
Objects, spaces or installations that behave as sculptural sound works.
definition
Definition
Sonic sculpture is work where sound and sculptural form are linked, often through resonant objects, speaker arrangements, kinetic systems or architectural placement.
soundsol context
soundsol uses the term for works where sound is not only heard but materially staged through objects, bodies, space or infrastructure.
what it is not
A speaker playing audio near an object is not necessarily sonic sculpture. The physical form should matter to the listening experience.
where it appears
Where Sonic sculpture appears
- gallery installations
- public art
- kinetic works
- sound-system sculptures
questions this term answers
Questions about Sonic sculpture
What is sonic sculpture?
Sonic sculpture is art where sound and physical form work together as sculptural material.
Can a speaker system be a sonic sculpture?
Yes, if its physical arrangement, resonance, scale or behaviour is part of the artwork rather than only playback equipment.
