BLESS N°53 CONTENTTENDERS (2015)

Communicating Pillows

For the BLESS N°53 CONTENTTENDERS issue, commissioned by mfc-michèle didier in Paris, BLESS tasked POPKALAB with the development of this interactive piece. The work incorporates On Kawara's renowned "One Million Years," creating a unique auditory experience.

The installation features two pillows, each with a distinct voice: one emits a male voice, and the other a female voice. The years are recited alternately, activated through interaction—whether by pressing or playfully throwing the pillows.

The pillows are interconnected via a wireless network, emphasising their interdependence. They function only as a pair, symbolising the continuous and shared passage of time through the synchronised alternation of voices.

Melodised Pillow Hammock

Also part of the BLESS N°53 CONTENTTENDERS issue is the Melodised Pillow Hammock, developed by Popkalab in collaboration with BLESS. This large-scale interactive installation, situated in the centre of the gallery, features a hammock composed of melodised pillows. These pillows play Christian Marclay's musical score Ephemera, offering an immersive sound experience.

The installation is a tribute to the first-ever interpretation of Ephemera, performed by Irène Schweizer on June 12, 2009, at the Bahnhof für Neue Musik in Basel. By combining comfort, interaction, and sound, the Melodszed Pillow Hammock transforms the gallery space into an auditory and tactile landscape, inviting visitors to both listen and relax.

Popkalab Team

Both interactive pieces—Communicating Pillows and the Melodized Pillow Hammock—were engineered by the Popkalab team, composed of Ricardo O’Nascimento, Erik Overmeire, and Tineke Van Hilten.