M+ Museum boasts a spacious area and high ceilings in its architectural design, creating a sense of fullness in the overall space. To adorn the open space of the atrium, M+ commissioned Korean artist Haegue Yang to create the artwork “Sonic Half Moon Rope,” hanging ropes filled with bells from the ceiling and beams at varying heights. With the ropes being periodically shaken by staff members, the bells ring crisply in the air, offering the audience a spiritual and Zen-like musical performance!
Liang Huigui’s installation works extensively use sculpture, video, photography, and everyday objects such as bells, louvers, industrial fans, and spotlights to evoke emotional responses from the audience through visual, tactile, and auditory senses. The artist also integrates the characteristics of the exhibition space and utilizes local creative materials to respond to the context of the exhibition.
This work “The Rope of Sound” is composed of multiple ropes tied with bells, hanging at different heights to the ground, sparkling. The bright visual effect and echoing sound of the bells evoke thoughts of shamanism and religious rituals.
The inspiration for the work comes from the Korean myth of the “Brother and Sister who became the Sun and Moon.” Legend has it that the siblings climbed a rope that descended from the sky to escape the dangers on the ground, eventually ascending to become the sun and moon. The rope makes a crisp sound when it moves and winds around the space of the light hall, creating a rich sensory experience that immerses people in auditory storytelling and cosmic spirituality, transforming the towering museum into a mysteriously enchanting concert hall.
Every Tuesday to Sunday at 12pm, 3pm, and 5pm, museum staff will regularly pull the first set of ropes. Starting at 4:15pm on Fridays, the staff will pull nine ropes, the bell will ring, echoing throughout the hall, and the atmosphere in the museum will change, instantly transporting the audience into an extraordinary artistic space.
Image source and learn more: M+
