Swan Song - 2019

In collaboration with Christof Migone
Part of the works produced during the Glenfiddich Residency

Materials: copper swan necks, cardboard whisky sleeves, motors, speakers, recordings, misc electronical and electronics

Table dimensions (h x w x d): 32 x 55 x 108 inches

Software design: Wild Rhombus Software
Coppersmith: Dennis McBain

Video documentation: Alan Peng, Jeff Zhao

Thanks to: Andy Fairgrieve, Dennis McBain, Douglas Paul

Swan Song consists of two stills from the Balvenie Distillery that were retired on June 28, 2019 after serving for 12 years. The swan neck portions of the stills were then cut and, because their shape resembles the horn of a gramophone, Swan Song uses them as resonators for sound. Recordings made throughout the distillery are played through each swan neck: Robbie Dhu Spring cairn where the water first enters the Glenfiddich property, the cooperage floor where casks are being repaired, the vats where barley goes through the various stages of germination, the bottling floor, a choir made up of staff working at William Grant & Sons (which houses Balvenie and Glenfiddich distilleries). Each member of the choir volunteered to contribute two short voice recordings - one the highest pitched sound they could produce, and one the lowest - each sound held for as long as possible. The recordings are triggered by devices that mash them up. They are treated kinetically. They are distilled acoustically. They are mangled mechanically.


Exhibition History:
2020 Christie Contemporary (Toronto, Canada), 2019 Glenfiddich Residency Art Gallery (Dufftown, Scotland)