In a remarkable fusion of art and science, the late avant-garde composer Alvin Lucier continues to compose music through a lab-grown brain organoid developed from his own cells. This groundbreaking project, titled “Revivification,” is currently showcased at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, offering a unique blend of neuroscience, bioengineering, and experimental music.
The Genesis of “Revivification”
Alvin Lucier, renowned for his experimental works that explored the relationship between sound and space, passed away in 2021. Before his death, Lucier collaborated with artists Guy Ben-Ary, Matt Gingold, Nathan Thompson, and neuroscientist Stuart Hodgetts to embark on an unprecedented journey: to extend his musical legacy beyond his lifetime. In 2020, Lucier donated his blood, from which white blood cells were extracted and reprogrammed into stem cells. These stem cells were then developed into cerebral organoids—miniature, simplified versions of the human brain.
How the Lab-Grown Brain Creates Music
The cerebral organoids, grown on a 64-electrode mesh, generate electrical signals that are translated into musical compositions. These signals control mallets striking 20 large parabolic brass plates arranged around the exhibition space, producing a dynamic and evolving soundscape. Microphones within the gallery capture ambient sounds, which are then fed back into the organoids, allowing the system to interact with its environment and potentially adapt over time.
Ethical and Philosophical Considerations
“Revivification” not only pushes the boundaries of art and science but also raises profound questions about creativity, consciousness, and the essence of life. The project challenges traditional notions of authorship and the role of the human body in creative processes. As the organoids respond to environmental stimuli and generate music, they blur the lines between living and non-living, creator and creation. The Times of India
Alvin Lucier’s Enduring Legacy
Lucier’s involvement in “Revivification” is a testament to his lifelong commitment to exploring the frontiers of sound and perception. His earlier works, such as “I Am Sitting in a Room” (1969), utilized the natural resonances of physical spaces to transform spoken words into pure harmonies. With “Revivification,” Lucier’s innovative spirit lives on, offering audiences a chance to experience a form of music that transcends traditional boundaries.
Exhibition Details
- Title: Revivification
- Location: Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth
- Duration: Until August 3, 2025
- Experience: Visitors can immerse themselves in a live musical performance generated by Lucier’s lab-grown brain organoid, interacting with the evolving soundscape.
