MEANING AND FORM

I use a lot of discarded objects, including outdated/damaged household gadgets, as a part of my

work. In working, they lose their original identity and acquire a new meaning. They often have

movements controlled by electronic circuits. They also have electric lights and sound. Much of the

time, the sound made by electric motors and movements of the mechanical parts become the sound

for the work. These sounds are essential. I sometimes add other sounds like electronic beeps, phone

ringtones, etc.

The methodology of the practice includes:

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● Making and remaking with discarded objects or readymades, adding, cutting, reorganising

them or their parts, moving them with simple mechanisms or electric motors and electronic

circuits.

● Experimenting with movement: Often, the work is about movement. What makes it move,

motor or hand? How are the joineries made? How is it controlled?

● Sound: How it is made, the sound of the moving parts or added from CDs or microchips.

Sometimes calling bells, telephone ringers or car horns are altered to create sounds.

In the last year, we worked with discarded objects and movement. This year we will use sound as the

element to work. We will use discarded objects and readymades to make the sound machines. The

movement of the objects will create sounds. We can use hand-operated systems or motors for the

movements. We can use pre recorded sound and amplifiers. Cheap sound recording ICs and

amplifiers are available online. This can be added to the sound of objects’ movement. We will start

by recording the sound of the city, neighbourhood, and home. This would follow with drawings and

experimenting with objects and sounds. We will start individually and, in the end, make a large sound

machine by amalgamating all individual work. I will also be making sound machines with the

students.