Art / Bristol Beacon
New installation features interactive instrumental reeds
A new installation at the Bristol Beacon explores the importance of deeper listening.
Savinder Bual’s sculptural installation, Free Reed, uses reclaimed construction pipes and instrumental reeds to create unique sounds by being blown and hand pumped.
The installation is accompanied by a ten day programme of free workshops to encourage people to find their own voices, actively listen to others and question society’s ability to listen.
is needed now More than ever
Free Reed at Bristol Beacon showcases instrumental pipes which people are encouraged to play
This installation creates an open environment for public engagement and actively encourages use of the pipes for people to create their own sounds.
Bristol Beacon has its own history of silence. Its silenced pipework (using traps, mufflers and dampers) inspired the breakthrough of the sound seen in Savinder’s work.
Savinder also drew influence from Bristol’s rich history of protests and the suffragette movement.
The hall’s pipe organ saw a famous interruption in 1909 when two hiding suffragettes burst out of the organ to interrupt a political speech, while loudly voicing “Votes for Women”.
The vibrant sounds of Free Reed echo the immediate action of listening seen from the very history that inspires it.
The public are encouraged to make as much sound as desired in this installation, utilising the pipes by blowing through them and pushing them to bring out the reeds’ instrumental sound.
The installation features varying sizes of reclaimed construction pipes, with some reaching 10 meters in length.
Savinder’s work has also evolved with the times. Her use of materials has changed from the more organic materials in her early world, to finding used plastic herself to use in Free Reed.
The absence of glue within this work and the use of bamboo straws inserted into the pipes creates an installation that is environmentally aware.
Savinder’s initial inspiration for creating interactive installations was found through her involvement in workshops.
She found interactive art was able to spark movement and connect with individuals in a way that can offer a voice to those who may feel not listened to.
Free Reed conveys the ability to spark conversation, ignite deep listening and, ultimately, break social boundaries with the use of the reeds’ unusual, yet dynamic sounds.
Savinder Bual’s ‘Free Reed’ installation is open to the public at Bristol Beacon until October 4.
All photos: Harriet Bray
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