Creative Program Report: ​David Tudor’s Rainforest V

The piece Rainforest V, originally made by David Tudor is now

exhibiting in MoMA. Located in a room on the 4th floor, it is a square
space with a very high ceiling. The art piece is composed of many
big daily objects hanging in the air, while every object producing its
own sound. On the first sight, people were walking, standing in the
space. They were mostly curious or playful with objects, somehow
blending into the art piece. I can hardly define the boundary from the
art piece and people - It seems that everyone walking into the room
became a part of the art. As soon as I entered the space, I heard
multiple sounds such as chirping, croaking, clicking and ringing, like
I was in a rainforest. It is kind of weird experience because my ears
were receiving something natural but my eyes were seeing daily
objects. My brain was confused because my eyes and ears are now
matching. And as I moved toward these objects, I could feel the
vibration of them. This made my confusion increased because these
objects in my daily life sounded totally different from my memories,
and this challenged both my acknowledgement and sensory. I think
this was exactly what David Tudor trying to make viewers feel. I tried
to get close to objects but I was not able to know how the sound is generated - It is really cool.

Then I started to touch these objects to see if I can change the sound by anything I do. But it
seems like it does not affect the sound at all. So I guess this piece is not interactive. If there is
any chance to add some interactive element, I think putting sensors on these objects to make
viewers control the sound by some degree might be a good idea. In this way people might
engage more and gain not only visual and hearing experience, but interactive experience as
well. Nevertheless, It is a very interesting and clever piece, especially this was originally created
in 1973, 45 years before now.

Overall, I like Rainforest V by David Tudor. First, in my opinion, a good installation should be
blending into the environment, and this one is successful because it created a space for people
to explore. The experience of being in the space and surrounded by all these objects which are
creating their own sound is spectacular. Second, the piece itself has a great visual effect by only
hanging these objects up in the air. I am satisfied by only walk around in the space and enjoy
different combinations of sound. And the piece also reminds me of the concept that we all
somehow living in a concrete jungle. Third, I really enjoy how he challenged my sensibilities and
knowledge, and how he chose different materials to show a wide variety of resonances.
This is my first time to see something made by David Tudor and I really like it. I am really
provoked by this artist and would recommend anyone who is interested in installation art to see
this piece.

Yen Jui Lu
 ● Send me the report as ​a PDF​.
● Length is around ​1 page​, but as you can also include images it can be longer.
Snap pictures if you can. No selfies.
● Include a ​link​, so I can look it up online.
● Describe the event​, and how it relates to the class topic. If it turned out the
event did not relate to the class (sometimes an event looks like it is
interactive, but then it turns out it is not), describe why.
● What did you see or hear​ when you entered the room? What is the artist's
intention​? Do not just copy the press text, I can figure that out easily. ;-))
● If the artist is around, ask questions to figure out the tech behind the work.
● On a personal level, did you ​like it or not​?What is the reason why you liked it
or not?

Event reports are not graded, but have a negative impact on your grade if (a) they are
missing, or (b) if you just copied the press release.