Impulse Transmission to Bryne

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– A Fibre Optic Sound Installation”
Bryne train station – a stop at one of Jæren’s small villages. The wind is harsh
against the cheek and the dark November morning weighs heavy on the soul.
Schoolchildren on their way to school, mothers with prams and commuters
wait patiently at the train station.
Approaching the platform you notice a narrow passage with a glass roof.
Urstad/Hauan Johnsen’s fibre optic sound installation, ”

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” is mounted
beneath the glass. The installation applies 30 yard fibre optic cables with
hushed light­pulse combined with sound. The cables are gently draped in a
soft curve under the glass roof. The wind strokes the delicate light­emitting
cables and threatens to create havoc. In spite of darkness, cold and wind
travellers are met with a vibrant pulsating roof as they pass through the
passage.
Whilst in the passage sounds can be heard; of messages from international
train stations blending with sounds from the local station at Bryne. Impulses
from continental railways blend with local activities, giving off the impression
of France and making me long for a croissant and coffee. A sense of
belonging sifts through my ears this cold November morning.”

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A Fibre Optic Sound Installation” reflects on the constant flow of
invisible information, which surrounds us through telecommunication systems.
Our constant need to consume and interact across great distances is radically
progressive in character. The development of all kinds of media has created
an information overflow which heightens the pulse. This invisible flow of
information and electro­magnetic pulse enriches our lives and connects us to
a global stream of social presence.”

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– A Fibre Optic Sound Installation” was presented at Bryne train
station in connection with the

Article

Biennale 08. The biennale was presented
in Rogaland County from 15 November – 30 November 2008. This was one of
11 site­specific works which were introduced. All artworks during

Article­

biennalen
were in the public domain – carefully selected by context,
interactivity and technical solutions.
Bryne was chosen in dialogue with the artist. The placing was defined by the
artwork’s relationship to the themes such as communication, transportation,
information and globalisation. The intention of placing the artwork at a train
station was to add a new experience to travellers journeying to and fro.
Although Bryne, geographically, is remote it connects to the surrounding cities
via rail.

Article­biennalen

presents art which debates our technological existence –
whether directly by use of technology or indirectly by statements referring to
the effect technology has on our lives. Public art presentation is one of the
Biennale’s targets, thereby offering space to a broader audience for reflection
on contemporary life. The
Biennale applies innovative communication
strategies by using the public as well as the private sphere as exhibition
venues.

The
Article-biennale
operates in the span between technology­intensive
and socially challenging art. The fundamental theme for this Biennale is to
investigate the artistic and democratic potential of technology in relational
aesthetics.

”

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– A Fibre Optic Sound Installation” at Bryne train station achieved
the goal of becoming relevant as an aesthetically integrated installation.
During the exhibition period, it was experienced by approximately 2000
travellers. The public appreciated this ambient and exotic art installation with
few exceptions.