CYMATICS

'Cymatics' is the study of wave phenomena. It is typically associated with the physical patterns produced through the interaction of sound waves in a medium.
A simple experiment demonstrating the visualisation of cymatics can be done by sprinkling sand on a metal plate and vibrating the plate, for example by drawing a violin bow along the edge, the sand will then form itself into standing wave patterns such as simple concentric circles. The higher the frequency, the more complex the shapes produced, with certain shapes having similarities to traditional mandala designs.

Contents

History

Influences in art

See also

References

External links

History

The term ''cymatics'' was coined by the Swiss scientist Hans Jenny, it is derived from the Greek ''kyma'' (κύμα) meaning "wave", and ''ta kymatika'' (τα κυματικά) meaning "matters pertaining to waves."
Cymatics was explored by Jenny in his 1967 book, ''Kymatik'' (translated ''Cymatics'').^[1] Inspired by systems theory, the work of Ernst Chladni, and his medical practice, Jenny began an investigation of periodic phenomena but especially the visual display of sound. He used standing waves, piezoelectric amplifiers, and other methods and materials.

Influences in art

Jenny's book influenced Alvin Lucier and, along with Chladni, helped lead to Lucier's composition ''Queen of the South''. Jenny's work was also followed up by Center for Advanced Visual Studies (CAVS) founder Gyorgy Kepes at MIT. ^[2] His work in this area included an acoustically vibrated piece of sheet metal in which small holes had been drilled in a grid. Small flames of gas burned through these holes and thermodynamic patterns were made visible by this setup.
Based on work done in this field, photographer Alexander Lauterwasser captures imagery of water surfaces set into motion by sound sources ranging from pure sine waves, to music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Karlheinz Stockhausen, electroacoustic group ''Kymatik''(who often record in surround sound ambisonics), and overtone singing.
In 2007 Thomas J. Mitchell and his son Stuart told the press they had decoded "frozen music" based on sculptures in Rosslyn Chapel, in part by using cymatics.^[3]

See also

★ List of wave topics

References

1. Jenny, Hans (1967). ''Kymatik.'' ISBN 1888138076
2. Gyorgy Kepes profile at MIT
3. Scott, Marion (22 April 2007). Exclusive: Da Vinci Chorus. ''The Sunday Mail''

External links

★ Video of Cymatics of salt grains on vibrating square metal plate

★ DIY Cymatics

★ Rosslyn Chapel Cymatics Music Video on YouTube

★ Cymatics Hexagon on North Pole of the planet Saturn

★ Entrancing Soundscapes produce deep relaxation, mind expansion, and promote holistic health