On a Human Scale
Matthew Matthew
On a Human Scale by Matthew Matthew | Photo by Society Hill Films
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On a Human Scale is a project which unites voices and faces of the world through technology. The project started as an experiment, by filming everyday New Yorkers singing. The individual voices are woven into an interactive instrument that visitors are invited to play. Each visitor who participates in playing the instrument brings the immersive audio-visual installation to life.
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On a Human Scale is an ongoing mission to create a fully playable instrument of humanity.
To engage participants, Matthew asked strangers on the streets of New York to take part.
This project started as a 2 octave prototype using a toy piano. It has grown to 4 octaves or 49 keys housed in an antique harpsichord.
The piece has been developed in Guadalajara, Mexico and New York City, chronicling voices from around the world into melodic scales and percussive instruments.
The artist was inspired to create this piece as he was walking through Shanghai listening to Philip Glass’ "Einstein on the Beach." The crowds of faces and the repetition of the choir in his music fused together at that moment. Matthew recognized humanity as an interworking instrument, and each of us is a note.
Matthew hopes On a Human Scale will continue to grow, creating instruments of people from all different backgrounds and walks of life.
On a Human Scale debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival 2014.
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Matthew Matthew uses creativity as a force for positive change. His approach is highly collaborative and his projects cover many disciplines - at the intersection of music, film, and technology.
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