Oliver Beer: Vessel Orchestra – Met Breuer

Oliver Beer (British, b. 1985). Vessel Orchestra, 2019. 32 hollow objects from The Met collection, microphones, speakers, keyboard, and associated audio equipment. © Oliver Beer, courtesy of the artist and Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

Oliver Beer: Vessel Orchestra – Met Breuer ‘Oliver Beer: Vessel Orchestra’ —the first sound-based performance exhibition commissioned by The Met—is composed of 32 objects from The Met collection—sculptures, utilitarian containers, and decorative works—that together form a musical instrument. July 2 – August 11, 2019.]]>

Source: Met Breuer

The installation consists of vessels chosen by British artist Oliver Beer (b. 1985) for their innate sound frequencies. Beer’s work explores relationships between sound and form, and in the past has featured personal objects and household possessions, as well as historical vessels from various collections. However, Vessel Orchestra marks the first time Beer has engaged with objects from a collection as vast and varied as The Met’s, and the first time he has created an assembly of vessels that can be ‘played’ by musicians in a series of live performances.

Each object’s ambient sound is captured with a small microphone activated by a keyboard, transforming the arrangement of vessels into a versatile musical instrument. With works whose origins range from ancient Persia to modern America, the installation links art objects across historical periods and cultures, creating an audible portrait of The Met’s encyclopedic collection. A vast array of vessels were auditioned by Beer to find those that “sing” precisely in one of 32 consecutive notes. For example, a nearly 6,000-year-old ceramic jar from Central Iran resonates in a low E, while a large, abstract Joan Miró vase elicits a middle F.

“The Met collection is one of the world’s greatest sources of inspiration,” commented Max Hollein, Director of The Met. “It’s exhilarating to witness the innovative way that Oliver Beer has interpreted these objects, presenting a new perspective and perhaps an unexpected experience for visitors.”

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