INTERFERENCE in B Flat 2005 and 2006

DVD projection, sound, black and white 1 min 48 sec loop

In the early 1800s, Dr Thomas Young experimented with interfering light waves;  under certain conditions, two rays of light could be made to annihilate one another and produce darkness.

An aggressive yet mesmerising work, Interference assaults both our eyes and ears. ‘Moire’ patterns created by layering net structures are juxtaposed with sound based on a 60 Hz computer generated tone, the same frequency as beating hawk moth’s wings.

Walking around the installation, the viewer comes across nodes and antinodes of louder and quieter sound, as the interfering sound waves are reflected around the space and form standing waves (in which the crests of one sound wave occupy the same position as the troughs of another).  

Shown at Plymouth Art Centre as part of Blackout, this work came directly out of the experience of spending three months in the forests of Maine at the Skowhegan School of Art, where Andrews researched the behaviour of nocturnal animals; in particular, fireflies and moths. 

 In 2006 a new, 60 minute, silent version of this work was projected directly onto the Forest of Dean at night. A quivering, shimmering ‘net’ appeared to hover in the trees, forming an animated space into which visitors were invited to walk.  Children’s comments ranged from ‘It’s like walking into Narnia’ to ‘It’s like walking into the TV!’ 

Shown at ‘REVEAL’ 2006 (Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust Commission)