Exhibition Explores the Power of Sound

Artist Evan Ifekoya raises an interesting point when discussing the challenges of proving how sound affects us. “They smile.” It’s well-known that music has a certain power; we often seek comfort in songs, boost our energy, or simply appreciate beauty through melody. But there’s more to consider—like the frequency of sound. The way sound waves interact with the air, our eardrums, and our bodies can have varied effects. Claims range from sound promoting deep relaxation to even being used as a weapon. These themes are center stage at a new exhibit at the Barbican in London. Luke Kemp, who heads creative programming at Barbican Immersive, notes, “The idea that the world consists of vibrations and frequency isn’t something we usually think about.” He emphasizes that sound can transcend mere audio experiences; essentially, our entire being can function as a listening device.

Visitors to the exhibit can engage with Jan St Werner’s installation, the Bibracetional Plate, which allows them to explore how sound resonates within their bodies. There’s a multimedia experience featuring a custom car equipped with a massive sound system, alongside part sculptures and dance floors. Ifekoya’s immersive soundscape, known as “resonance frequencies,” engages soothing frequencies where visitors can sit on a vibrating stage. They can also lie down to hear and feel the sounds, all while observing the water’s reaction in a central pool. Ifekoya shares insights about powerful frequencies, such as 174Hz, thought to aid in healing by interacting with our internal systems. They even show a frequency board that emits 7.83Hz, a frequency related to Earth’s electromagnetic waves. Ifekoya jokes, “My plants are thriving,” suggesting something positive is happening.

Max Cooper, who has had significant firsthand experiences with the physical impacts of sound, reminds us of the authenticity of feeling bass in our bodies. “You can literally feel the low frequencies vibrating through you,” he comments, relating it to his large-scale performances. His project, known as the Reflection of Being, invites visitors to experience a “full-body massage” through sound. “I’m really into tactile sounds,” he shares, noting a base shaker he uses in his studio to feel those deep vibrations. The project stemmed from public inquiry about unexpressed feelings. Responses such as “beautiful” and “intense” are deeply impactful, and he emphasizes the responsibility of capturing those genuine emotions in his work.

Interdisciplinary designer Robin Landau focuses on merging science, senses, and emotions, aiming to translate neuroscientific insights into innovative projects for health improvement. Her installation, titled “Your Inner Symphony Orchestra,” offers a chance to measure physiological responses like heart rate and skin response via a sensing station. As visitors interact with the exhibition, their readings shift and morph into images and sounds, reinforcing her notion that “emotions manifest as physical sensations.” Landau explains that research is ongoing in understanding how sound frequencies interact with our emotional responses.

Though not all frequencies, like 528Hz, have solid scientific backing yet, Landau approaches the subject with caution, stating, “Just because it’s not proven doesn’t invalidate it.” Most current research leans towards low-frequency sounds that linger just below awareness. “These vibrations can make people more tolerant to pain,” she adds, likening it to the calming purr of a cat. There’s still a lot to uncover, but it’s evident our brains and bodies are in constant reaction to the sound environment. Landau hopes that by the end of the exhibition, people will leave with a newfound respect for their bodies and how they relate to sound.