A CYPHER IN QUEENS

Hip Hop Sonic Sculptures

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK, ASTORIA, N.Y.C.

October 7th 2018 - March 3rd 2019



One Two, One Two... This Sculptural work is an exploration of sonic identity expressed through the frequency of the Hip Hop Cypher. A Hip Hop Cypher is a participatory gathering of onlookers forming a circle to experience the frequencies of a freestyle battle between Emcees, DJs or Breakdancers within.

This Sculptural Cypher consists of three Audio Sculptures, each representing the sonic identities of three Legendary Fallen Artists from Queens, NY. One DJ (Jam Master Jay of RUN DMC) and two Emcees (Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest and Prodigy of MOBB DEEP). These three Hip Hop Icons were chosen for their individuality, unique style of delivery, excellence and contribution to the Art-form of Hip Hop.

 

Each Audio Sculpture celebrates not just the artistry of Hip Hop Culture, but also serve as a Memorial for the Genius of each Artist Representing Queens. Standing nine feet tall looking down upon the viewer, each sculpted Artist is rendered within an acoustic enclosure, capable of outputting the sonic identity of their musical legacy.

 

These Audio Sculptures can be experienced both visually and sonically with acoustics sourced from playlists, streaming services or even the expressive participation of the viewer/audience via Bluetooth audio devices. The Sculptures are also designed as a social tool for discovery, engagement and communicating of sonic ideas within the community by serving as an audio source for social events. Maybe the sonic identity of a future Queens Icon will be discovered through engaging these Sonic Structures. 

 

The Audio Sculptural Design has three main references of inspiration. 

The first, experiencing the inescapable rattling rhythms of Calypso & Reggae emanating from clusters of stacked Speaker Boxes during Carnival season on the Island of Trinidad and Tobago. These Audio Structures are designed to blast waves of festive frequencies amidst paraders and surrounding spectators. 

 

The second, is the inspiration of the Slit Gong, a Sculptural Instrument made of Wood and Paint measuring over fourteen feet tall, by the Tin Mweleun peoples of Ambrym Island in the Pacific Ocean. The Towering Design of the Slit Gong, carved from the trunks of breadfruit trees, is one of the largest musical instruments in the world. Placed in various villages, they serve as a communication tool to other villages over distances as well as used in many social events. 

 

The third, Hip Hop and music of A Tribe Called Quest, MOBB DEEP, RUN DMC and many other artists was the music of my youth, which became the soundtrack to my early teens into my adult life. Hip Hop is now the most globally influenced form of American Music. To all the Fallen Artists who have contributed to this sonic phenomenon, Rest in Beats!

 

 

 

Sherwin Banfield - Artist

@SherwinTheArtist

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