The Algerian-born artist Philippe Parreno has developed and installed several ‘sonic water lilies’ in the pond of the Fondation Beyeler. Theya re aptly named ‘Water Lilies’. The ‘lilies’ are composed of speakers installed on the floor of the pond. Specialized sound waves which produce uniquely patterned ripples are emitted, making the water leap in interesting ways from the epicentre of the sonic source.
© Philippe Parreno
The lilies are a tie in to an exhibit featured within the Foundation’s interior, titled Continuously Habitable Zones. The work, a film, shows darkened views of a Portuguese garden, which in turn influence the remainder of the film. In a similar way to the film being influenced by the garden, the garden pond at the Beyeler is acted upon by CHZ, creating an active exchange and blurring the line between real and unreal.
© Philippe Parreno