Ned Kahn

Artist Ned Kahn continues to explore the changes in wind, water, fire, earth, and other substances. He presents the phenomenon of self through artistic methods, allowing people to grasp the workings of self in the wonder of beauty.

From the rocks to the ocean, and from the core of the Earth to the atmosphere, all matter on Earth is deeply connected through vibrations. Information about our planet's story is transmitted to the outside world through these vibrational waves. At the entrance of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, ‘Seismic Sea’ acts as a resonance field that is showcased. Sound waves with special significance will vibrate through the pool, creating unique wave patterns on the water's surface. This will enable visitors to experience the wonder and mystery of physical laws. Here, one can also hear the echoes of human voices in nature, allowing the audience to feel this powerful connection from the moment they step into the museum.

A series of resonant stainless-steel containers was placed inside an existing water tank and filled with water. Each container can be manipulated to produce vibrations. The audience can control the speed of these vibrations to generate seismic waves, producing clear, visible sounds. The vibrating metal also sends ripples outward from the plates, creating a dynamic effect that makes the water tank's surface look as if giant raindrops are falling from the sky.

The size and curvature of each container vary, and they respond differently to vibrations. The art containers are arranged with a purposeful rhythm of density and openness, featuring diameters of 1.8 m, 1.8 m, 2.5 m, 3 m, and 4 m. Their corresponding projected surface areas follow a proportional series of 1:1:2:3:5, reflecting the mathematical Fibonacci sequence.

On the circular surface of the pool, every type of sound wave generates a distinct series of ripples in the water. Whether it’s a significant historical sound recording or natural sounds, these ripples are visibly transformed through physical laws. The waves create unique patterns on the water’s surface, appearing both beautiful and profound, as if they convey the intricate connections between the Earth and humanity.