30 Meters Stretch is an extension of a series of works, correspondingly titled 500 Meters Stretch, 480 Meters Stretch and so on, by Seiji Morimoto, a Japanese sound artist based in Berlin. It consists of a spool of 30 meters long, 5 cm wide, lightweight fabric, to be stretched out between trees or poles in any open space. As these long lines wave, rattle and flutter according to the wind, they make air both visible and audible.
The object’s aim is to bring the listening experience outside the atmospheric stability of enclosed spaces, in order to attend wind’s very own unpredictable pace and tendencies. In doing so, the user becomes both performer, observer and listener.
For the sound installations that this device is based on, Seiji has been using 500 meter-long reels of strong, colourful and affordable polyethylene tape, but is a disposable product that can be used just once. We would like the user to be able to reuse the same fabric strip, and to also avoid pollution caused by single-use tape. Thus, we agreed upon reducing the length to just 30 meters, and to use a highly technical paraglider ripstop nylon fabric instead, which is both ultra lightweight, inelastic, resistant and reusable. Like in the original installations, we chose a brightly coloured fabric for its contrast with the usually greenish colours of the natural environment. - Attila Faravelli, Aural Tools
Instructions:
- Tie the rope to a tree or pole.
- Draw a line or stretch between the trees.
- Hold the other side by hand or tie it to another tree or pole.
- Wait for the wind to blow.
Seiji Morimoto
30 Meters Stretch was realized within the Pianpicollo Research Residency, with support from Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo and Regione Piemonte.