Artist Statement

Machines to Listen to the Sky is an ongoing project initiated in 2013 by Dan Tapper to repurpose Very Low Frequency (VLF) natural radio antennas into installations, sculptures and art objects. VLF is an area of the radio spectrum that contains signals propagating in Earth’s ionosphere such as lightning and the northern lights as well as emissions from celestial objects including Saturn and the Sun. The VLF band also contains interference from man-made electromagnetic activities. This installation combines images and sounds detailing the breadth of information found in the VLF spectrum as well as the machines and devices used to transduce VLF into audible forms.

• Dan Tapper (UK/CA) is an artist who explores the sonic and visual properties of the unheard and invisible. From revealing electromagnetic sounds produced by the earth’s ionosphere, to exploring hidden micro worlds and creating imaginary nebulas from code. His explorations use scientific methods alongside thought experiments resulting in rich audio-visual worlds. dantappersounddesign.com