The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York is making a noise with its show Atmosphere for Enjoyment: Harry Bertoia’s Environment for Sound (until 25 September), which explores the sound sculptures by the late artist and designer. The “enjoyment” of the sculptures, which Bertoia called Sonambient (a combination of the Spanish words for sound and environment), can be experienced hands-on: visitors are invited to play an installation of Sonambient sculptures made by Bertoia’s son, Val Bertoia.
There is also an open invitation for musicians to sign up for recording sessions using the sculptures. MAD will provide recording equipment for the sessions, scheduled for the evenings on the last Fridays of each month during the show’s run. For budding (and established) recording artists hoping to snag a spot: all of the one-hour sessions have been booked, and there are already names on the waiting list, but the space will be open to curious museum-goers to watch—and perhaps even join—the jam sessions.
