Base Metals

The kinetic sound sculpture “Base Metals” by Ovis Wende, created in 1990.

The sculpture consists of a solid steel structure supporting movable metal panels made of aluminum and copper. Originally, a large, motor-driven galvanized steel cylinder was intended to roll over these surfaces. The movement of the heavy cylinder was supposed to generate mechanical sounds, which were to be supplemented by digital sound patterns. Today, the sculpture remains an impressive monument (weighing about 20 tons), but it no longer moves and therefore no longer produces any sounds.