YOU DON'T HAVE TO CALL IT MUSIC IF YOU DON'T WANT TO

2010

An ad-hoc motion sensor keyboard created for the Docklands precinct as part of the Victoria Harbour Young Artist Initiative.

The statement a l'artiste.

‘We make shapes and objects with which music can be produced manually… therefore, anyone can play them’ — François and Bernard Baschet

I have a collection of baby pianos at home. Well really, I have a growing collection of baby pianos at home. These fit in with my other purchases of toy guitars, microphones and various music related paraphernalia. I like these instruments because they allow anyone to play them without having to know anything about music. Whilst traditional ‘proper’ instruments ask to be played in a certain way and with a certain level of skill, these miniaturized instruments carry a different purpose—they are generally made for children—and thus remove the intimidation of the ‘proper’ instrument.

Similarly, this work transposes the piano into an almost unrecognizable form, and in doing so aims to nullify pressure and prejudice accustomed to a traditional instrument. I hope you take this as an opportunity to embrace your sense of play.