Marc Vilanova

Infrasounds drift beneath the threshold of human hearing. Despite remaining largely unresearched and unregulated, these low-frequency vibrations shape ecosystems and impact the well-being of humans and more-than-humans.

Phonos is a sculptural installation of 208 recycled speakers – each one restored, stripped of its cone, and reprogrammed to receive a unique infrasound. Too small to voice these signals into the air, the speakers reveal their mechanical effort: coils vibrate, membranes ripple in tension and metallic components creak. An algorithm modelled on collective animal behaviour sequences their movements into an ever-changing polyrhythm of tremors and buzzes.

Despite its monumental scale, Phonos invites closeness. The sculpture becomes a living organism that breathes and pulsates, creating an intimate, shared experience to attune to imperceptible acoustic ecologies. Through embodied listening, Phonos offers a space to relate to and care for the sonic worlds that hold us.

Credits:

Commission: Fundació Phonos
Idea | Production | Design | Construction: Marc Vilanova
Structure designed and created in collaboration with: 2monos
Metal Work: Alejandro Dumon, Ivan Mena
Hardware and Software: Alfredo Ardia
Installation Support: Venus Villa, Mateu Targa, Joan Perramon, Júlia Faura
Help: Giovanna Langone, Arantxa Boyero, Llorenç Balaguer, Joan Manel Pérez, David Chia, Gil Roca, Marc Ramis, Montse López, Berenice Moran, Caro Palmeiro, Alexis Castellano, Fernando Garcia-Valiño, Alejandra Andrés, Pedro Ramoneda, Teresa Pelinski, Lucas Elías, Joaquín Molina, Matías Tolchinsky, Jakov Habjan
Special Thanks: Jordi Alomar, Ángel Faraldo, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Carles Pons, Lluís Campos, Anna Benet, Mar Medinyà, Iris Yirei Hu, Philippe Dumon, Nicoletta Mantoan, Família Vilanova Pinyol, Can Timoner, Konvent Puntzero
Support: Fundació Phonos, OSIC, Fabra i Coats, Casal Solleric, Museu de la Música, Auditori de Barcelona, Institut Ramón Llull
Photos: Anna Benet