Multi-Sensory Approach of Ted Apel

June 14, 2010

Media Contact: Karen Hunt, University Communications, (208) 885-7251, klhunt@uidaho.edu

Prichard Art Gallery Opens Artwalk with Ted Apel's Coilings Exhibit

MOSCOW, Idaho – The Prichard Art Gallery will join in the City of Moscow's annual Artwalk event with Ted Apel's Coilings exhibit. The exhibit will open on June 18, with a reception beginning at 5 p.m., and the exhibit will run until Aug. 7.

Apel’s sculptures and installations focus on an audio transducing element as the source of visual and sonic material. The exhibit will feature six sculptures and installation pieces, including one that has never been seen before.

“Ted does an amazing job of combining challenging auditory elements with significant sculptural forms,” said Roger Rowley, director of the Prichard Art Gallery.

The Bell Synchresis produces sound through two loudspeakers. One speaker is electromagnetically shaken to cause two bells to sound inside the second speaker. Two doll house loudspeakers serve as the source of the recorded bell sounds.

The Trochilics is comprised of 10 freestanding sculptures, each consisting of a small motor resting on the floor. A metal panel is attached to each motor and acts as a sounding board for an audio signal. Audio amplifiers and a computer control the input signals. The Trochilics emphasizes the movement of the metal panels to unite sound with visual art.

The Jump Start features a car battery that is connected to a loudspeaker via jumper cables. The sound of a car starting is periodically produced by the speaker.

In the sound Trialogue, Apel uses three organ pipes that are modified with speakers to produce resonant frequencies of each pipe.

Portrait of Malleus is a sound sculpture that produces quiet and constantly changing music. A bronze plate is hung from the wall with electronics mounted behind it. The sculpture relies on the listener to focus their attention on the plate as both the producer of sound and the visual object.

“Each element on its own is very interesting, and then together they really make for a unique gallery experience,” said Rowley.

Apel was raised in Pasadena, Calif. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Pomona College and a master’s in electroacoustic music from Dartmouth College. His sound installations and sculptures have been featured in numerous festivals and galleries nationally and internationally. He currently teaches computer music and new media art at Boise State University.

The Prichard Art Gallery summer hours are Tuesday-Friday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Gallery is closed Sunday and Monday. The gallery, an outreach facility of the University of Idaho, is located at 414/416 S. Main St. on the corner of Fifth and Main streets in downtown Moscow.

Admission is free. Additional information is available at www.uidaho.edu/galleries.