Chora
Chora is an interactive sound installation that gives voice to members of the Radcliffe community from its inception in 1879 to present day. The aim is to create a “khora,” or a space or interval, for those personal texts and oral histories mute within the institutional archives, to voice out once more.
The project began with the research into coral reefs of Elizabeth Agassiz, the first Radcliffe President, taking inspiration from her observation of tiny reef organisms, which through their growing and living in “communities have helped to make the world.” Agassiz, and many other women students and researchers, pioneered the way for the open community at Harvard and Radcliffe today.
Chora’s garden of voices celebrates that endeavor by highlighting both the individual and the collective, through 30 motion-activated sound pieces. These sound pieces, the garden’s flowers, create whispering sound spots that respond to passersby.
The project began with the research into coral reefs of Elizabeth Agassiz, the first Radcliffe President, taking inspiration from her observation of tiny reef organisms, which through their growing and living in “communities have helped to make the world.” Agassiz, and many other women students and researchers, pioneered the way for the open community at Harvard and Radcliffe today.
Chora’s garden of voices celebrates that endeavor by highlighting both the individual and the collective, through 30 motion-activated sound pieces. These sound pieces, the garden’s flowers, create whispering sound spots that respond to passersby.
Location
Radcliffe Yard, Cambridge, MA
Year
2015
Client
Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies
Type
Installation
Status
Concept
Award
1 of 5 finalists, Radcliffe Public Art Competition
Team
Ruth Chang, Maia Peck
Radcliffe Yard, Cambridge, MA
Year
2015
Client
Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies
Type
Installation
Status
Concept
Award
1 of 5 finalists, Radcliffe Public Art Competition
Team
Ruth Chang, Maia Peck