British Artist Presents Sound Installation

"A fascinating counterpoint of sound and light...of constantly shifting patterns."—The Independent (UK)

Siren, a whirling, spinning spectacle of sound and light, will be presented at the Wexner Center Thursday–Saturday, February 26–28 at 8 pm. The sound installation, by British composer and artist Ray Lee, is comprised of tall metal tripods rigged with rotating arms, each equipped with a pair of tone generators and two LED lights. These individually tuned sirens emit pulsing drones while the illuminated tips trace fiery patterns in rapidly circling trajectories; as the hour-long program progresses, seemingly infiinte layers of complex harmonies build on each other, while the audience is invited to walk through and among the tripods. Siren produces alarming sounds for alarming times: hypnotically intense but also strangely soothing, like a celestial choir of harmonic overtones. The electrifying environment immerses the viewer in an alluring spell of unique sonic and visual delight.

Click here for a podcast featuring Chuck Helm, the Wexner Center’s director of performing arts, discussing Lee’s work; a video can be viewed here.

Photo opportunity: Final installation of Siren will be on February 25. Call Tim Fulton at 614 688-3261 for access.

EVENT INFORMATION: Composer and artist Ray Lee will present Siren February 26–28, at 8 pm at the Wexner Center for the Arts (1871 N. High St.) in the Black Box on Mershon Stage. Tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for members and students. For tickets call (614) 292-3535 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

 Ray Lee has integrated performance, installations, composition, and photography for more than 20 years. He is currently a lecturer in contemporary arts and music at Oxford Brookes University. For more information about Ray Lee visit http://www.invisible-forces.com/.

SUPPORT:

Major support for the Wexner Center’s 2008–09 performing arts season is generously provided by Huntington Bank and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Support is provided by the British Council.

Accommodations are provided by The Blackwell Inn.

All performing arts programs and events also receive support from the Corporate Annual Fund of the Wexner Center Foundation and Wexner Center members, as well as from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, Nationwide Foundation, and the Ohio Arts Council.