Yoann Ximenes at Paris Photo Days
Photographers have made efforts to visualise sound waves for some time now. A recent notable effort is “Matières d’Écho,” an exhibition that showcases the work of plastic artist Yoann Ximenes. The exhibition runs from 16 November to 20 December 2023 at Galerie Odile Ouizeman, as part of the annual Photo Days in Paris.
Ximenes’ work explores the interaction between sound and perception, thus unveiling a unique artistic approach (see for an example of a photo I took of his work below). It focuses on observing sound phenomena, revealing hidden dimensions of reality. The work brings to light what we cannot see. In particular, it delves into the heart of sound energy to experiment with its ability to influence our world. Whether it is a political speech, the birth of a newborn, the creation of the universe, the singing of planets, or even the voices of extinct birds, Yoann Ximenes explores the plastic richness of sound to address philosophical and scientific questions through the prism of art. His sound staging merges sensory stimuli, creating a dialogue between sound and vision, like an echo of some form.
Speaking to scientific questions with art
The universe is constantly in motion due to vibratory waves. This idea was first proposed by Swiss physicist and naturalist Hans Jenny in the 1960s with his theory of cymatics. The latter studies the acoustic effects of sound wave phenomena, and has been used to visualise sound vibrations in various media, including liquids and powders. The patterns produced by these vibrations are often symmetrical and can be found in nature and architecture. Hans Jenny’s work has influenced many artists, including presumably Yoann Ximenes, who explores the richness of sound and its potential to influence our world. Ximenes’ sound installations merge sensory stimuli and create a dialogue between sound and vision, like an echo. They explore the plasticity of sound and its ability to address scientific questions through the prism of art.
The popular science book “Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe”, by Brian Greene, is a nice introduction to such scientific questions. The book delves into the evolution of the universe and human experience, including consciousness, placing a sharp focus on the role of waves. As far as I am concerned, the only drawback is that the author does not leave any room for free will in his framework. That being said, the book speaks directly to the idea of sound plasticity. Greene underscores that waves are a fundamental aspect of the universe and are crucial in shaping the structure and behavior of matter and energy. In fact, he compares waves to the “music of the universe” and explains that they are responsible for many of the patterns observed in nature. Ximenes visualizes some of these patterns.
