(t)ears is a continuously evolving project that can be experienced both as a standalone audiovisua installation and as an interactive instrument. It consists of hand-blown glass tears of various shapes and sizes, suspended in space. The sound of water droplets, which mimic tears, is captured in real-time through hydrophones and combined with pre-recorded sounds played through passive speakers hidden within the glass tears. The sounds are then diffused through a multi-channel system inspired by the acousmonium, allowing for live manipulation and transforming the installation into a performative experience. By blending natural elements, acoustic phenomena, and human emotions, the project explores the sound of tears through water, glass, and resonance. The installation creates a dynamic soundscape that evolves, shaped by the space and the movement of the audience.

Concept:

Crying is not only a response to sadness or pain. People cry from immense happiness, relief, or simply due to something in their eye, like when cutting an onion. There are different types of tears, each shaped by distinct structures (water crystals). Water, a symbol of life and connection, contrasts with glass—a fragile yet resonant material that amplifies and transforms sound. Emotional impressions are translated into sound and further distorted by the resonance of the glass, captured within each tear.

Experience:

As visitors move closer to the tears, they perceive different sonic nuances: minimal, polyrhythmic textures emerge from the dripping water, while the resonance of the glass distorts and layers the sounds. Each shift in position generates a new composition, making every listener’s experience unique. 

(t)ears is an audiovisual installation consisting of 14 hand-blown glass tears. 12 of these are suspended in a 3m (high) by 3.5m  aluminium structure.  8 tears house passive speakers, which, as in an acousmonium, can play different sounds completely independently. In 4 tears, there are hydrophones that capture drops at different speeds still at real time. Besides the acoustic sound of the drops overflowing, and then falling into 4 steel bowls, 2 large speaker tears on the ground, provide the amplified sound of the drops. 

 (t)ears can function as a standalone audio-visual  installation, as well as an instrument. It is a personal version of a possible acousmonium, consisting of 12 channels, to which a live concert can be linked. 

A special performance for young public (+6) has been made for Big Bang Festival/ Zonzo Compagnie.

composition & performance Pak Yan Lau
structure Jan Rymenants
sound Christophe Albertijn
glass work Het Glazen Huis
production C-TAKT & Musica Impulscentre

What The Wire wrote about (t)ears during OORtreders Festival 2023:

(t)ears The Wire