Discover an exhibition of THRUM IX, a machine which creates incredible imagery and sound using pre-cinematic techniques.

THRUM IX has the appearance of an improvised laboratory set-up. Separate elements are mediated by a process of handmade patterning and rotation under a camera, creating a dancing visual field where the boundary between one thing and another blurs and flickers, creating the illusion of animation or stillness within the visual field of a large screen or full wall.

The moving image can be joyful, keeping the space saturated in colour and the magic trick of movement and the simple pleasure of seeing very small things made very large. Sometimes it is more uneasy, and the repetition becomes overwhelming.

The machine creates its own soundtrack. The motor spins against guitar strings to create a ‘thrumming’ sound, other mechanisms pluck the strings, and move the guitar to modulate the sound.

The artist and creator, Dr. William Bishop-Stephens will take part of the sculpture down to the Cellar Bar on Sunday afternoon to perform at Sonic Royal Rumble hosted by Sea of Cables.