Abstract
Abstract. The Earth and atmosphere are in constant motion. Volcanoes, glaciers, earthquakes, thunderstorms, and even the aurora borealis produce powerful low-frequency sounds known as infrasound. Infrasound is constantly passing through our atmosphere at frequencies of less than 20 Hz, below the range of human hearing, which is effectively an inaudible symphony. Inspired by wanting to allow physical access to this natural phenomenon, a collaboration between the worlds of contemporary art and meteorology has been developed. This led to a project called hertz, named after the 19th century physicist Heinrich Hertz, whose surname provides the scientific unit (Hz) for frequency. Hertz explores the manifestation of the hidden vibrations of our own planet and the secret harmonies of our stars. The manifestation of the hidden vibrations of our own planet was principally achieved using a subwoofer and furniture adapted to vibrate to the amplitude of infrasonic waves from pre-recorded sources and in real time. The project's motivations are to explore new methods for experiencing and re-engaging with parts of our planet through this phenomenon. Hertz has had a UK national tour in which 7000 people interacted with the piece, of which approximately 85 % felt more reconnected to the environment after interacting with the installation. This paper describes the concepts, creative ideas, technology, and science behind the project. It addresses its development, including the steps to make it accessible for all, and examines its impact on those who created and interacted with the work.
Highlights
The Earth and atmosphere are in constant motion due to a range of natural processes such as seismic activity, volcanic eruptions, and glacial slippage
Robson: Developing the hertz art–science project mathematician to explore the possibilities of making the hidden frequencies of the stars and natural phenomena of our planet heard and felt
One of the scientists Robson contacted was co-author Graeme Marlton, a meteorologist who was working on the Atmospheric Research Infrastructure in Europe 2 (ARISE 2) project (Blanc et al, 2018)
Summary
The Earth and atmosphere are in constant motion due to a range of natural processes such as seismic activity, volcanic eruptions, and glacial slippage. It was apparent that such a project would need to call on science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) expertise to create an as authentic as possible representation of natural hidden vibrations through an immersive experience. Robson: Developing the hertz art–science project mathematician to explore the possibilities of making the hidden frequencies of the stars and natural phenomena of our planet heard and felt. One of the scientists Robson contacted was co-author Graeme Marlton, a meteorologist who was working on the Atmospheric Research Infrastructure in Europe 2 (ARISE 2) project (Blanc et al, 2018). Drawing on the fact that everything vibrates, from the smallest atom to the furthest star and that their frequencies surround us and yet leave no imprint, hertz enables people to feel their bodies resonating to the inaudible symphony of our own planet, experience the stars singing, and see their sound made visible.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
