resonances (Malbuisson, June 2017)

2017, perennial sound installation in the forest of Malbuisson (Doubs), handcrafted fabrication of 15 bronze bells installed on top of trees / HD video sound..

Project made in the framework of the quadrennial of contemporary art in open-air Pièces d’été.

In an area of the forest of Malbuisson (Doubs), the wind and the bad weather make ring about fifteen bells installed in the top of trees. Each bell hangs from a different tree, which will carry it throughout its life, thus prescribing the duration of this particular sound. Due to their artisanal manufacture, each bell is a unique piece and emits an inimitable sound. The accidents of nature will orchestrate the sound of all the bells.

This project was realized in collaboration with the bell foundry Obertino, Charles (Labergement-Sainte Marie), one of the last artisanal foundries still in operation in France. Each worker is the bearer of a memory of this knowledge, a repertoire of gestures and words that resists oblivion. In addition to honouring this craft, the project works on the sound and evocative power of this particular object that is the bell, as an instrument of call, communication and gathering.

The realization of this work gave rise to a video shot at the Obertino Foundry, showing the artisanal fabrication of the 15 bronze bells installed on top of the trees.