Monika Weiss, a renowned professor at WashU's Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, has crafted a remarkable new commission for St. Louis' Laumeier Sculpture Park. Titled "Metamorphosis (Sound Sculpture)", this installation invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world where music and nature intertwine.

Unlock the Enigmatic Soundscape of "Metamorphosis"

Origins and Inspiration

Born in Poland, Monika Weiss studied classical piano at the Warsaw School of Music and completed her master's in fine arts at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts. Her early works often explored themes of the body, water, and classical antiquity. For instance, her multisensory installation "Koiman" (1998), inspired by St. Catherine of Siena, featured 80 gallons of pumping black motor oil. This early exploration laid the foundation for her unique artistic style.In the early 2000s, she accepted a long-term residency at New York's prestigious Experimental Intermedia Foundation. Here, she discovered a new creative space where she could combine different forms of art. This experience became a turning point in her career, shaping her approach to creating multi-media installations.

The Mythological Underpinning

The "Metamorphosis" cycle is inspired by the Greek myth of Daphne. In this myth, Daphne, daughter of a river god, is devoted to Diana. But when Apollo pursues her, she transforms into a laurel tree. This myth holds a deep significance for Weiss."We are very interested in that myth," Weiss said. "In Western culture, there have been many incarnations and responses. Ovid, Bernini... The assumption is, 'What a beautiful story! The woman escapes!' But I want us to rethink that. The piece at Laumeier... I imagine the sound of my own skin changing into bark. The tree is stronger than us. The tree lives longer than us. It has roots in the ground. But there's an element of trauma. Daphne is dying as a woman."This mythological element adds a layer of depth and complexity to the "Metamorphosis" installation, making it more than just a sound sculpture.

The Installation at Laumeier Sculpture Park

Set in a small glen near a dry brook at the bottom of a steep ravine, the "Metamorphosis (Sound Sculpture)" installation at Laumeier Sculpture Park is a natural cathedral. It comprises two cast metal columns, each weighing several hundred pounds and situated a few yards apart.Approached through the forest, their rusty patina and trunk-like diameter blend into the surrounding wood. But as one grows closer, the scale seems to shift. The columns become more imposing and somehow more human.Located near the top of each column, almost like a face, is a visor-like grate that protects a powerful ambisonic speaker capable of broadcasting in 360 degrees. Five times each day, music fills the wood, seemingly from all directions.

The Musical Journey

To create the "Metamorphosis" cycle, Weiss digitally recomposed versions of her initial piano improvisations. The first four movements were crafted in this way, and the fifth movement adds an eight-voice chorus. The sixth and final movement, written specifically for Laumeier, features St. Louis soprano Katie Beyers and mezzo soprano Ingrid Piazza.Together, the six movements last around 35 minutes. Weiss spent months tailoring the recordings, sculpting how the sound weaves back and forth. The vocal tracks are clear and operatic but also ghostly and abstract - voices without words. The percussion is the sound of Weiss herself striking the columns barehanded."It sounds like ancient drums, or like rain, or like fire," Weiss said. "But in 'Metamorphosis', the most expressive instrument is the human voice. Suddenly, in the last movement, the column has become a woman again."This musical journey takes the audience on a ride through different sonic landscapes, evoking a sense of wonder and mystery.

The Impact on Visitors

Many people touch the piece. They hold it like a friend. This interaction between the installation and the visitors is a testament to its power."Weiss' work has a way of connecting with people on a deep level," said one visitor. "It's not just a sound sculpture; it's an experience that stays with you."The "Metamorphosis (Sound Sculpture)" installation has become a beloved part of Laumeier Sculpture Park, attracting visitors from all over. It showcases Weiss' talent as an artist and her ability to create installations that transcend traditional boundaries.In conclusion, "Metamorphosis (Sound Sculpture)" by Monika Weiss is a masterpiece that combines art, music, and nature. It invites viewers to explore the mysteries of the universe and experience the transformative power of sound.