Sync Variations
Video and Sound Installation
For 16 isolated electric violin players and a programmed network system
Made in collaboration with scientists: Prof. Moti Fridman, Prof. Nir Davidson and Dr. Shir Shahal
Almost every ensemble in nature demonstrates synchronized behavior. From thousands of fireflies blinking, schooling fish swims as a group and even women who live together are synchronizing their menstrual cycle. Synchronization appears from the largest scales such as clusters of galaxies to the smallest scales such as subatomic particles.
This piece performs the transition from synchronization into chaos with 16 coupled violinists. They are coupled to one another in different configurations with the assistance of a computerized system and isolated earphones, while any other form of communication is prevented between them. All the musicians are requested to repeat a short identical melody segment while trying to synchronize with each other in a system that incorporates changing delays in sound communication.
The concept of human synchronization through a highly controlled and manipulated system goes far beyond a specific scientific or artistic idea. The synchronization of human networks is essential for our civilization.
While working on this project, we discovered a new science, we discovered that human networks behave differently than any other network we've ever measured. Human networks are able to change their inner structure in order to reach a better solution than what's possible in existing models. This concept is the core of our scientific and aesthetic discovery.
Sync Variation is an on-going artistic-scientific research made in collaboration with physicists from Bar Ilan University and Weizmann Institute of science: Prof. Moti Fridman, Prof. Nir Davidson and Dr. Shir Shahal
Commissioned for the Fetter Museum of Nanoscience & Art, Bar-Ilan University, Israel
Academic publication:
Journal of Network Music and Arts
“Easily the most memorable exhibit of the museum […] Elad Shniderman and Prof. Moti Fridman were able to craft a truly captivating experience using the power of music to provide insight into chaos theory.”
—Jordan Pike, Jerusalem Post
“Even without understanding the mathematical formulas, the result is mesmerizing. Beyond the music, the facial expressions, the minor differences in movements, posture, pulling the bow, focusing the eyes […] it’s spectacular.”
—Gilad Meltzer, Haaretz
Video: Project documentary
