2B and non 2B
Sumi Perera
UK
100 variable bookmarks pay tribute to the different interpretations of reading the same phrase: TO BE OR NOT TO BE [2B or not 2B]. Whether it is a private sub-vocalisation, or a public reading, the accents, emphasis given to syllables, words, phrases etc. differ between people and places. These bookmarks are part of a larger multi-component 3D print & sound installation reflecting on the acoustics of built spaces. Designed as a tribute to mark Shakespeare’s 400th Death Anniversary, it features sonic-waves of the lines: ‘To Be Or Not To Be’ interpreted in various formats: spoken, written, typed, drawn, scratched or danced.
The first set of sound-waves were generated by the sound of 2B and non 2B [1H-4H, 1B, 3B-6B] graphite pencil-leads, writing the phrase: TO BE OR NOT TO BE. These sonic waves generated were then re-drawn, using various metal-point styli: gold, silver, brass, copper, tin, aluminium, zinc, platinum. Pre-etched zinc plates of architectural features were recycled: the backs were stripped and re-used to make open-bite acid etched, deeply bitten & aquatinted plates to achieve tactile embossing. Printing and inking was done utilizing a Viscosity Method: using both intaglio and relief roll (soft and hard rollers) inking techniques. Prints, were then cut, curved and inserted to simulate different wave height amplitudes and placed upon a rolled gradient of colour. Electro-conductive inks were programmed to produce sound when the sensors were touched, which connect to a control pad emitting 12 tracks of 2B OR NOT 2B interpretations.
These were audio-recordings/interpretations by artists /gallery staff/ TV comedy sketches/film-adaptations of Hamlet/poets/a Congolese interpreter that played back upon touch.
Tracks were made audible via mini-speakers or headphones (for public sharing or a private listening respectively). Freestanding prints, battery operated, rechargeable or powered by a USB-port.
Sound installations:
2B or not 2B - the Triptych: exhibited at the Summer Exhibition, London Print Studios 2016 [site-specific track of Beat Poet Michael Horovitz et al. made during the private view, reinserted into the control panel] 23rd June-26th August 2016
2B or not 2B - 6 panels: Finalist for the Neo: Print Prize (International Print Biennial) 2016. Neo:Artist Studios, Bolton. 25th August-30th October 2016
2B or not 2B – 6 panels [2 triptychs]: exhibited at Liminal Spaces – Flourish Award Winner-Huddersfield Art Gallery. 6th April-15th October. 2016.
2B or not 2B [Artist Book & CD]
Sumi Perera is an interdisciplinary artist who makes mixed media installations. Her work has won many international awards and is held in several public collections, including the Tate Britain; V&A Museum; Guanlan Museum, China; Sakima Art Museum, Japan & Yale Centre for British Art, USA.