Rotations culturelles
© Rotondes
The slipmat Rotations culturelles, illustrated by Étienne Duval
The phonotrope slipmat (felt disc for turntables) is a disc decorated with images. Rotated on a vinyl turntable, the images come to life like magic.
To the naked eye, the details are hard to see, but when you switch on the video mode on your phone (set to 30 frames per second), you can see the elements come to life and the story unfold as you go along. For a really fluid rendering, the slipmat needs to be well lit, and it’s best to turn down the exposure time on the camera or smartphone.
Rotations culturelles is inspired by the radial structure and ‘rotating’ history of Rotondes’ two iconic buildings. This phonotrope intricately places the Rotonde at the core of its narrative mechanism.
The installation features concentric rings orbiting a Rotonde, each ring portraying a distinctive scene to mirror Rotondes’ many activities. A pencil traces the contours of the visual arts, waves reverberate for the concerts, a spotlight projects the dynamic energy of the performing arts, and chips illustrate the welcoming atmosphere of the “Buvette”.
The rings’ synchronised and precisely choreographed movements symbolise Rotondes’ artistic and cultural vitality, all whilst emphasising how the different forms of expression converge in this central location. The distant hum of passing trains and buses in the periphery lulls it all together, reminding us how this cultural venue interconnects with its constantly changing surroundings.
@yostudio__
yostud.io
Read our interview with Étienne Duval
