FractalMemory2019

2019
sound installation
Dimensions variable

Fractal memory (2019-ongoing) is a series of sound installations composed of broken HDD hard drives amplified through contact microphones, analog mixer, and mono-speakers. The soundscape of memory in operation consists of mechanical motions and malfunctioning noises, revealing how human memory is read and written through computers and machines, while seeking new meaning in the afterlife of discarded devices.

Fractals of Memory #1 focuses on the startup of the hard drive—the sonic burst upon powering on is a physical event occurring simultaneously within an extremely short span of time, compressed into a single sonic impression. Rapid torque changes generate sounds of compression and expansion. The damaged hard drives continuously reboot, their rising and falling sounds repeatedly attempting to drive read/write operations, expressing a form of mechanical resilience and vitality.

Installation view of Fractal Memory #1 .

Installation view of Fractal Memory #1.