"Sound installation 'Thawing' by Voldemārs Johansons set to debut at TUR on April 2nd at 6:00 PM"
Jumping the Organ's Tradition:
Latvian maestro Voldemārs Johansons shook up the music world with "Thawing," a mind-bending sonic-sculptural experience that graced the walls of Riga's TUR, Contemporary Space for Art. From April 2 to May 3, 2025, this groundbreaking exhibition brought the organ - an iconic symbol in Western music history - into a fresh, sensory realm.
"Thawing" was an artistic explosion, redefining the organ's shapes and sounds in a single, immersive experience. This installation bridged the gap between sight and sound, allowing visitors to wander through a dynamic landscape of acoustics. By blending the physicality of traditional music instruments with contemporary art, Johansons transcended the boundary between sound and sculpture.
The heart of "Thawing" lies in its interplay between movement and perception. As attendees navigated through the space, they found themselves constantly shifting their auditory perspectives, engaging with the real and imagined dimensions of sound. The composition itself evolved in real-time, fueled by an electronic system that modulated airflow and sonic sequences, crafting a vivid, living soundscape that underscored the symbiotic relationship between form, vibration, and human presence.
Johansons' work is deeply rooted in the interwoven realms of art, science, and technology. His academic background includes the Institute of Sonology at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and the Latvian Academy of Music. Consistently pushing the limits of sonic art, Johansons has graced prestigious venues such as the Venice Architecture Biennale, Ars Electronica, and the Ruhrtriennale, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of innovation.
The Genesis of TUR:
TUR, an intriguing space for contemporary art, hosts seven exhibitions annually: three solo shows during the winter months, three summers, and a group exhibition in the fall. Its mission is to revitalize Riga's art scene by offering a platform for experimentation, collaboration, and intimate engagements with select artists to produce high-quality, curated exhibitions. By balancing the traditional "white cube" aesthetic with the building's industrial past, TUR encourages artists to venture beyond their usual practices. Since its inception, TUR has hosted numerous contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, performances, and poetry readings, earning itself a prominent place in the Latvian art scene.
For updates on TUR's exhibitions and events, follow their Instagram (@tur_telpa) and Facebook (TUR) pages.
[Enrichment Data: Johansons' "Thawing" exhibition was significant for its innovative merging of the auditory and visual elements, immersive environment, and themes of transformation and renewal. The project was supported by TUR and featured artist talks and concerts, further solidifying its cultural impact within the Latvian contemporary art scene.]
- Voldemārs Johansons, the Latvian maestro, reimagines the organ as an instrument capable of transcending the boundary between sound and sculpture in the immersive exhibition "Thawing," held at TUR, Contemporary Space for Art.
- Johansons' work, a blend of art, science, and technology, not only challenges perceived limits in sonic art but also reflects themes of transformation and renewal.
- The collection of technology, specifically electronic systems, employed in "Thawing" creates a vivid, living soundscape that emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between form, vibration, and human presence.
- By blending contemporary art with the physicality of traditional music instruments, Johansons manages to bridge the gap between sight and sound, delighting the senses and providing a unique cultural experience.
- The environment created in "Thawing" underscores the importance of interconnectivity, as its dynamic landscape of acoustics invites visitors to wander through a series of auditory perspectives.
