Korean artists create device that generates music from plastic waste
“If we are going to leave a record of our ‘humanity,’ shouldn’t it be something other than plastic garbage?”
Korean artist duo Ujoo and Limheeyoung recently presented a new musical installation aptly titled ‘Song From Plastic’ at Seoul’s Amorepacific Museum.
The mechanical device that takes form of a record player gives new life and purpose to disregarded plastic objects, making them able to play whole songs.
The duo, who also happen to be husband and wife, employed Thomas Edison’s tin foil phonographic approach to their creation. Taking place of the records are an old clock, cordless telephone and egg carton with inscribed grooves on their surfaces.
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Inviting visitors to take part in the installation, the device is triggered by a built-in sensor when a person steps within a 1,5-metre radius which then activates it to play tunes.
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More than just providing music to one's ears from records of extraordinary sound via ordinary forms, the project also comes with food for thought that summons us to reflect on the nuances of meaning held by human values.
The innovative fixture’s description concludes with the question “What sort of traces should humans be leaving behind? If we are going to leave a record of our ‘humanity,’ shouldn’t it be something other than plastic garbage?".
Check out the exhibit's imprinted items below.
Mixmag Asia is committed to providing coverage to those looking to lessen the impact of the music industry on our planet. Read more sustainability content from Mixmag Asia’s Green Room series here.
Adrianna Cheung is Mixmag Asia’s Culture Curator, follow her on Instagram.
