WITHIN SOUND: The Acoustic Sculptures of Michael Brewster at Mount Wilson Observatory

Within Sound: The Acoustic Sculpture of Michael Brewster is the first presentation in the new “Arts at the Observatory” program at Mount Wilson Observatory, launching in August. Six representative pieces created by Brewster—a pioneering Los Angeles sound artist—will be featured in this site-specific installation. Visitors will be physically immersed in Brewster’s masterpieces as they move through sound waves in the acoustically amazing 100-inch Dome. Within Sound: The Acoustic Sculptures of Michael Brewster immerses visitors in the sonic environments of the pioneering sound artist who introduced his concept of Acoustic Sculpture in 1974. Six representative pieces capture Brewster’s artistic evolution over four decades.  The works demonstrate the evolving acoustic complexities Brewster constructed as he developed his works from a single sound wave to multi-soundwave installations. Visitors will physically engage with these works as they move throughout the 100-inch Dome and learn about Brewster’s pragmatic approach to art, encompassing sound, engineering, and architecture.  Each performance is a site-specific installation that has been tuned to the 100-inch Dome’s dimensions. Once activated, Brewster’s art and the Dome become one, compelling visitors to experience their particular location within the acoustic space. To quote Brewster, “To see an Acoustic Sculpture, we must shift from the ‘stand and look’ behavior of a passive spectator to the exploratory ‘move and listen’ approach of an active participant; slowly walking our ears, instead of moving our eyes, through the environment.” After the lecture, a reception will be held outside the Gallery, where examples of the artist’s designs, mechanical drawings, and art will be displayed. About the Experts: Homer Charles Arnold studies modern and contemporary art history, specializing in post-1960s new media practices. He was a student of Michael Brewster’s at Claremont Graduate University and is the Archive Manager for the Michael Brewster Trust. Arnold teaches art history in the Riverside College district, writes art criticism, and has curated several shows of Brewster’s work. He is currently preparing a book-length manuscript on the artist. Originally from Austin, Texas, he now lives in Culver City. Alex Schetter is an immersive artist, sound engineer, and musician who specializes in sound art and installation. He is a Los Angeles native who studied music and audio production at Loyola University New Orleans and the Art Institute of California. His sound work has appeared internationally, and he has contributed to factory sound design for major synthesizer manufacturers since 2012. As Archival Technician for the Michael Brewster Trust, his restoration and understanding of audio and acoustics has been key to adapting Brewster’s works in the Mount Wilson 100-inch Dome.