'An Occupation of Loss' is a sonic and visual performance art installation by Taryn Simon, a conceptual artist who focuses on the power and structure of secrecy. Her new exhibit, on display at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City, is a series of 11 cement cylindrical columns with hollows in the middle that leave space for people to enter. Due to the columns' acoustic qualities, they act as echo chambers that amplify the noise within.
Over the course of two weeks, Simon's Occupation of Grief will bring 30 professional mourners to the columns and, each day at sunset, the mourners will express professional grief from within the stacks. The objective of the exhibit is to help observers consider the "the intricate systems that we devise to contend with the irrationality of the universe."
Sound-Amplifying Cylindrical Towers
'An Occupation of Loss' is a Study in Mourning
Trend Themes
1. Sonic Art Installations - There is an opportunity to explore the intersection of sound and visual art through large-scale installations that use architectural elements to create unique sonic experiences.
2. Professional Grief Services - The use of professional mourners to express grief in public spaces opens up new avenues for those needing emotional support during difficult times.
3. Acoustic Architecture - Specialized architectural designs that focus on the acoustics of a space can create unique sonic environments for performances and exhibitions.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Artists, designers and architects could use this idea of sound-amplifying cylindrical towers to create immersive and unique experiential installations.
2. Wellness and Healthcare - Professional grief services could be expanded and promoted as a means of helping individuals cope with loss and emotional distress.
3. Hospitality and Tourism - Hotels and other tourist destinations could incorporate specialized acoustic architecture as a way to differentiate themselves and offer memorable experiences to guests.