The concept of " unmaking the sounds " has emerged to provide an alternative perspective on the effects of e-waste. By analyzing the soundtrack from dumping sites, we can uncover the uncertainty and unpredictable outcomes of the disposal process. Through this lens, we can gain insight into the rigorous living conditions in countries like Ghana, where people coexist with toxic waste.
The Dumpbeat is an interactive sculpture that recreates the sounds of the dumping site in Ghana. It mimics the environmental noises of tearing apart e-waste, natural sounds, and human voices to highlight the consequences of a throw-away culture and the slow violence of technology in the world. The sculpture creates a space for reflection and conversation, inviting us to examine our collective responsibility in an era dominated by rapid technological advancement.
As people approach the Dumpbeat, it automatically plays the soundtrack to recreate the environmental sounds. When people throw away their e-waste in the sculpture, the dropping pieces hit the structure to mimic the cracking sound, harmonizing with the background sound from the speakers. The interactions between humans and the sculpture encourage us to reflect on our positions on consumerism in the modern world and provoke the idea of rethinking our consumption habits.
The Dumpbeat is made of obsolete speakers, printer gear, broken monitor components, and discarded wires, combined with an Arduino Mini Player, sensor, and motor to recreate the soundscape. It serves as a call to action, urging viewers to rethink their engagement with technology, not just as consumers but as stewards of the planet.
Carnegie Mellon University Advanced Synthesis Options Studio - Data Dump
Instructor
Daragh Byrne
Collaborator
-
Video
DumpBeat Playing the Soundtrack
Dumpbeat Closer