British artist Simon Blackmore works with sound, sculpture and robotics. At first glance, his Weather Guitar seems to play on its own accord. On closer examination it becomes apparent that this musical instrument is responding to variations in meteorological conditions. Monitoring changes in light conditions and wind speed and direction, a weather measuring system transmits this information to the guitar via a series of electronic circuits. Small motors, in turn, translate this into mechanical action, the strumming of the strings.
Music generated by natural forces is as old as mankind, one of the earliest examples being the Aeolian harp, an instrument which is played by the wind. Blackmore says ‘It is my hope that this lonesome guitar adds to this tradition in a humorous and playful way'.
Please download the exhibition guide for Weather Guitar.
Simon Blackmore (PDF 23kb)