Through observations of Ronaldinho practicing football, artist and designer Edern Janneau picked up the interesting detail of the sound of the ball hitting the cross bar, as a response to Ronaldinho continual accuracy.This has been the main example Janneau has used in his explanation of this project. He discovered that sound and movement affect each other in sports and has translated it into an artistical device. With synesthesia and senses in focus he has opened our eyes for a new way of experiencing sports. Janneau created a prototype of a table tennis board where the two players can experience their gestures through a beautiful melody. Each of their actions are treated and translated straight into harmonious sounds and melodies. The device lets them work together to create a unique acoustical masterpiece, or simply discover the melodic effects of a competitive game play.
Hearing is one of the main senses humans may possess. When a device like Janneau’s, which is created to express the connection between gestures and sounds, is put into a room, it changes the entire atmosphere of the space. Janneau’s device focuses on harmonious reverberations and melodies. When in use, this creates an echo of soothing musical elements that reflect the way the players create their gestures through the space. It is difficult to recreate a combination of movement, speed and strength that has been generated before, which is why the ambiance of the room at any given time, and during any match is completely unique. Being present in the room during such a performance must be nothing but remarkable.
The table is designed in an intricate manner, in order to precisely translate every human gesture and the trajectory, height and speed of the ball, into beautiful musical sounds. Where the ball hits the table determines the note and the reverb percentage, the height determines the pitch change and the speed before each hit determines the note velocity. When the ball hits the racket, the base note A is performed. This adds up to a groundbreaking way of creating a performance that changes the experience of the space and the game.
The artist and designer Edern Janneau holds a bachelor's degree from the Design Academy Eindhoven. His focus is on synesthesia - combining the several senses so they are perceived together. He does this through the use of technology in space, with a sensible approach that preserves the atmosphere of the environment and the space.
IMAGES: Courtesy of Edern Janneau
Instagram: @edern.janneau
Collages by Silje Kvam
