Luftgitarre #1, 2008

fiberglass, plywood, circuits, automotive paint, solar cells, motors, sensors

dimensions variable

approximate gallery dimensions: 66 x 62 x 30" / 168 x 156 x 76 cm

Schuelke's Luftguitarre series sculptures are human in scale and resemble musical stringed instruments such as the banjo, violin and contrabass. Floating mid-air, the effortless rotation of these sculptures conjures a familiar echo of explosive chords ringing in a live concert. The simple auditory experience delivered by these objects contrasts with their visual complexity. Activated by the approach of visitors, a minimal pluck of a singular steel cord results from Schuelke's elaborate and delicate construction of solar panels, wood, a motion sensor and propeller.