At PICA we recognise that we are situated within the unceded lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects and offer our gratitude to Elders past and present, and to those emerging leaders in the community. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of their care and continued connection to culture, community and Country.

Always was, always will be.

Galleries are open today, 10am–5pm. Our exhibitions are always free.

Sheets of Sound

Sheets of Sound
Presented by PICA and Tura
Sheets of Sound is the latest solo project from award-winning percussionist Louise Devenish. Featuring two new commissions composed especially for Devenish by Annie Hui-Hsin Hseih and Matthias Schack-Arnott, Sheets of Sound diversifies the sonic possibilities of metal, paper, plastic, skin, traditional percussion instruments and electronics. This tactile sound world is paired with instruments and objects carefully and spatially arranged. An invitation to discover new percussive music, Sheets of Sound is a curious exploration of the intersection between sound, performance and installation.
Hseih’s composition utilises paper, plastic and metal sheets and builds dialogues between texture, tactility and the soloist’s body. Exploration of the expressive affordance of various sheets will be extended using contact microphones to elevate subtle sonorities that are otherwise inaudible.
Schack-Arnott’s work animates two bass drums. Their skins vibrating through the use of extreme low frequency. As specific kinetic forces are set in motion by the drums, knives, crystal and metal, objects are scraped across the surface of the drums to form geometric patterns of glistening tones.
Read more about the project in our interview with Annie and Matthias here.
‘…incredibly deft and compelling performance’ – Limelight
 
‘Sonic gorgeousness from Devenish’ – Seesaw
 
stunning virtuosity … interpretive flair and technical brilliance’ –  Loudmouth
 


Creative Team
Director & performer Louise Devenish
Composer Matthias Schack-Arnott
Composer Annie Hui-Hsin Hsieh