Max Neuhaus "Sound installation & Under water music(s); / Water whistle"

From September 27 through 30, De Appel exhibited a sound installation by Max Neuhaus. On the last day of the exhibition, an event took place in the Marnixbad: Under water music(s) / Water whistle. Visitors had to bring their bathing suits. Neuhaus: 'I became interested in making sound underwater when I realized that one hears in a completely different way in water. Sound travels much faster and further, we hear not only with our ears but also with our foreheads; our whole sense of sound location is changed. In 1971 I began a series of works in which I generated sound textures in water. The sound is only underwater, people listen by going in the water, leaning their heads back; ears under the surface, nose and mouth out. The sound is continuous, the water is warm, it is a very calm peaceful situation. It is not necessary to swim, people usually float or rest at the edge of the pool. It is a continuous situation, people can stay as long as they wish.' (Invitation De Appel, September/October 1978.)