The Essence of Sound

Burkhardtsmaier, a German audio brand that makes high-end stereo equipment, commissioned Cologne-based artist Susi Sie to make a video that visualizes subwoofer sounds. Rejecting digital effects in favor of analog technology, Sie made use of lycopodium powder to create “The Essence of Sound,” showing sound waves as visible forms. Shown in greyscale tones, the lycopodium powder undulates according to the frequencies of the sounds. It’s a decidedly trippy clip, as the bubbly, wave-like forms ripple and bounce to the aural landscape. Worth a minute of time. Watch above.