Title: Smog Orchestra
Year: 2019
Medium: glazed ceramic
Dimensions: 2-⅜” x 2-¼” x 3-¼”
Description:
Smog Orchestra is a project developed by artist Nova Jiang during the inaugural LACI AIR Artist-in-Residency program. Using facilities in the advanced prototyping center and drawing advice from the LACI community, she created prototypes of nose-shaped ocarinas by scanning the noses of those around her using the photogrammetry technique.
Smog Orchestra was launched on June 12th with a score by composer Celia Hollander for three nose ocarinas which explore the connection between smell and sound. An improvisation by harpist Ko-Ni Choi, guitarist Cameron O’Connor and pianist Hui Wu with the addition of their respective instruments will follow.
Despite decades of effective smog reduction in Los Angeles, climate change has brought steadily worsening air quality in the last few years due to record-breaking temperatures and wildfires. Future performances of Smog Orchestra will feature an expanded repertoire with newly commissioned compositions that translate abstract air pollution data into embodied experience and highlight the complex relationship between environmental wellbeing and social equity.
During the launch, Photogrammetry stations were set up to scan the noses of attendees. Participants will be invited to future performances where they can perform with their corresponding nose ocarinas.
Composer: Celia Hollander
Performance Photo: Monica Nouwens
