Chimes is Interactive Art … Outside

If you are wondering about the lighted poles and music coming from Downtown Roanoke, it’s part of a new outdoor art installation: Chimes.

The interactive exhibit will be in Market Square through the end of February and features wind- or human-powered chimes that create a ripple effect with music and lights extending throughout the installation. The outdoor exhibit is free and appropriate for all ages.

Chimes refers to the concept of chaos theory, in which a small action produces a large impact. Inspired by the scientific concept of strange attractors, a random disorder is set up thanks to 30 lights and eight speakers that come to life at the slightest swaying of the chimes.

At rest, without any interaction, the installation is in a state of equilibrium. But a simple gust of wind, or an interaction with a visitor, transforms the entire ambiance and generates new light and sound patterns. Every chock between the Chimes’ bells disturbs the audiovisual environment and can generate divergent evolutions. The results become unpredictable and chaotic. The countless possible combinations give the user a multitude of options to explore.

Chimes is created by Collectif Blackbox, with co-production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and Spectra (Illuminart) and Creation Fête des Lumières of Lyon (2017). Learn more from Downtown Roanoke, Inc.