Martin Riches – Mechanical Voices: Film Screening & Concert

About this Event

At the end of February, Radialsystem invites you to rediscover the groundbreaking work of Berlin-based British sound artist Martin Riches, with a special programme including a concert accompanied by a film screening and a discussion. Riches is considered a pioneer of machine-based art. As part of the concert evening “Martin Riches - Mechanical Voices”, four composers and musicians Audrey Chen, Max Eilbacher, Masahiro Miwa and Ute Wassermann present their works on newly adapted machines by the sound artist for the first time. Accompanied by a short documentary and a discussion, the programme sheds light on the connections between art, archiving and technical mediation using the example of Martin Riches’ works. For over five decades, Martin Riches has been exploring the intersections between mechanics, sound and language, creating complex kinetic spatial installations. His works – including “The Singing Machine”, “The Talking Machine” and “Four Voices” – mimic human voices and articulation with astounding precision. His devices seem to become independent players, questioning the relationship between humans, machines and artistic autonomy. In collaboration with media artist So Kanno, the two artists developed strategies to preserve and further develop Riche’s instruments using new technologies, making the machines accessible for contemporary experimental or electronic musicians.