Tokyo Love Story – Electromagnetic Sounds of Tokyo
“Tokyo Love Story: A Sensory Journey Through The Acoustic Vibration of the Lights of Tokyo”, is a solo exhibition of works by Tiziana Alocci presented by ArtMoore House in London in October 2024 during Frieze London.
Tokyo Love Story explores the hidden electromagnetic pulse of Tokyo's urban landscape. Through a series of audio recordings and data visualisation techniques, this exhibition transforms Tokyo's vibrant sounds into a visual experience. Considering the sensory experience as a new form for envisioning and understanding how we actually feel a space, we quickly realise that what is captured by our eyes is just one of the facets of the prismatic experience that maps our perception.
Tiziana Alocci, C'est Bien, Archival Print on Epson Semi Gloss, framed. 101 x 101 cm.
The image of a place is not what it first appears to be. Alocci slows down the process of looking and thinking inviting the viewer to experience the invisible forces that shape the unique character of Tokyo’s most iconic districts. In her Tokyo Love Story collection, Alocci explores the acoustic fingerprints of the silent objects which inhabit our urban environments.
By visualising the pulsating rhythms of Akihabara's adult store LED signage, the electronic hum of Shinjuku's neon-lit karaoke bars, Ueno's pedestrian crossing signals, and the subtle electronic pulse of an Omotesando vending machine, this exhibition captures the diverse technological essence of Tokyo's districts.
Each artwork is originated by an audio-reactive animation. Animated version of each artworks are available on request.
The artist, in her creative practice is able to create a visual syntax that bring to life the sonic and visual properties of the unheard and invisible by revealing electromagnetic sounds from light sources.
Artwork list
Okura: This electromagnetic recording captures the ethereal remnants of digital life from an abandoned advertising display in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo.
“Day 8 in Shibuya: Stumbled upon an abandoned advertising display today. It was eerie, standing there in the heart of such a bustling area. As I placed my recorder near it, I could almost hear whispers of its past life. The faint electromagnetic pulses felt like ghosts of forgotten advertisements. It was a stark reminder of how quickly technology moves on in this city. I sat there for a while, imagining all the ads it must have shown, all the people who must have looked at it. It made me feel small, but also connected to the city's history in a weird way.” – Tiziana
C’Est Bien: Spectrum frequency visualisation from the sound of a pedestrian crossing signal in Ueno, Tokyo.
“Day 2 in Ueno: The pedestrian crossing signals here are unlike anything I've seen before. I recorded the sound and visualised its frequency spectrum. It's fascinating how something so mundane orchestrates the movement of thousands. As I stood there, watching people cross in waves, I realised these sounds are the heartbeat of Tokyo's streets. I wanted to cross with my eyes closed, just following the sound. I felt like I was part of a big, invisible dance. Made me wonder how many times I've been guided by sounds I never really noticed before.” – Tiziana
Pop Life: This audio recording captures the electromagnetic frequencies emanating from a neon sign of a popular karaoke establishment in the bustling Shinjuku district of Tokyo.
“Day 4 in Shinjuku: Karaoke night! But instead of singing, I found myself attracted by the neon sign outside. Its electromagnetic frequencies created a unique soundscape that felt like Tokyo's nightlife distilled into audio form. The pulsating rhythms matched the energy of the partygoers around me. I wonder if anyone else notices this hidden symphony of the city. I stood there for ages, just listening. My friends thought I was barmy, but I couldn't help it. It was like the city was singing its own karaoke song, and I was the only one who could hear it.” – Tiziana
Topaz: This electromagnetic recording captures the subtle hum and electronic pulse emanating from the illuminated display of a vending machine in the fashionable Omotesando district of Tokyo.
“Day 6 in Omotesando: Remember Toy Story, where toys come alive when humans aren't looking? I've always wondered if inanimate objects truly animate when unobserved. This vending machine seemed to speak to me. I spent an hour today recording the subtle hum from it, I wanted to give it a voice like a Toy Story character.” – Tiziana
Love Merci: Electromagnetic frequencies captured from the LED wall sign of an adult shop in the heart of Akihabara, Tokyo's electric town.
“Day 7 in Akihabara: Electric Town lived up to its name today. I recorded electromagnetic frequencies from a sex shop's LED wall sign. It felt a bit awkward standing there with my equipment, but the result was worth it. It perfectly encapsulated the district's pulsating energy and futuristic vibe. I closed my eyes and let the sounds around wash over me, feeling like I was experiencing Akihabara on a whole new level. A couple of people gave me funny looks, but one actually stopped to listen with me. We didn't speak, just stood there nodding. It was a weird but cool moment of connection.” – Tiziana
Love Merci is available in four colour combinations: Pink, Cyan, White, and Green. Each piece is different but generated from the same sound.
C’Est Bien: Spectrum frequency visualisation from the sound of a pedestrian crossing signal in Ueno, Tokyo.
