SWISS ARTIST SCULPTS SOUND DURING 2011 RINGLING INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
Sarasota, FL —Sept. 30, 2011 — Sure to spark the curiosity and senses of visitors keen on experiencing the visual and performance art of mechanized kinetic sculptures during the 2011 Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF) is a fascinating exhibition entitled Zimoun: Sculpting Sound. The Swiss artist Zimoun showcases his unique installations of sound and movement. It is part of the festival’s RIAF 360º Experience, a variety of exhibitions, performances, forums and tours that are in addition to the stage performances.
“This will be the first showing of Zimoun’s work in Florida and one of the few showings of his work in the United States,” explains Steven High, executive director of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. “His installations are immersive environments of sound and motion using low-tech motors and devices. His pieces reveal a complex, intricate relationship between the aural and the visual.”
The Swiss artist Zimoun blends elements of sound, sculpture, mechanics, and engineering into unique sensory experiences redefining traditional notions of sculpture and sonic performance. Zimoun creates sound pieces from basic components, often using multiples of the same prepared mechanical elements to examine the creation and degeneration of patterns. He provides numerous opportunities for discussions about the nature of sculpture, sound, and art itself. The work also lends itself to discussions of kineticism in both the visual and performing arts and ways in which artists work collaboratively and in interdisciplinary ways.
The exhibition runs from October 1, 2011 through January 8, 2012. Its opening coincides with the Ringling International Arts Festival, a centerpiece of the Museum’s Art of Our Time. This initiative is part of the Ringling’s renewed commitment to modern and contemporary art, encompassing performing and visual art. The six-day festival features performing artists from around the world. Zimoun will complement the diverse offering of international performing artists featured. RIAF is a partnership between the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Baryshnikov Arts Center, New York.
Festival-goers are invited to be a part of a Living Zimoun on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 2:15 to 4 p.m. in the Museum of Art Courtyard. Hundreds of people are expected to create a work of art using paddle balls by bouncing a small rubber string ball attached by elastic to a flat paddle as many times as possible in succession to create Sarasota’s largest, loudest, and most lively work of art ever. There is also a lively and interactive exploration of kinetic dance featuring The Florida State University School of Dance/Contemporary Dance in Florida that afternoon.
The RIAF 360º Experience includes admission to this additional programming as well as the venues of the Ringling Museum for only $10 for adults and $5 for children 5-16. All RIAF 360° exhibitions and programs are included with a Ringling Museum admission ticket for that day. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Sunday until 5:00 p.m.
To purchase tickets, contact The Historic Asolo Theater Box Office at 941.360.7399 or visit www.ringlingartsfestival.org
The Zimoun exhibition was supported by Pro Helvetia.