Zimoun (b. 1977) is a self-taught artist, based in Bern, Switzerland. I consider his work new media because of its incorporation of mechanical sound, movement, and architectural/spatial elements (he has also collaborated with architects in his work). While the materials he uses are often more industrial or mechanical, they are used to create "sound sculptures" that have an effect that is opposite to the formal simplicity of his works. On the contrary, Zimoun's sculptures and installations have a chaotic sound effect that amplifies pattern and structure within his objects. At the same time, the works are minimal in form - creating a sense of play within the works.
I also think it is interesting that while the materials are industrial and mechanical in form (and the installations with boxes are architectural/modern) - combined with their sound and movement they appear to be more organic and have natural repetition as opposed to the patterns of machinery. They hum, chaotically moving back and forth or side to side, like animals or insects in nature.The motors allow wires to move frantically, beating the surface and twisting around - cardboard boxes, basic in material and shape, become houses for moving ping pong balls, rattling various sounds and at different pitches. One particular installation of the boxes exists as a curved wall, a barrier of sound perhaps. Zimoun's work embodies the idea of mechanical versus organic, intertwining the two ideas into a different world of its own - an aspect, I believe, that is seen often in new media works. Imitations of nature and our lives in mechanical forms that ask us to observe closer, and listen deeply.
There will be an exhibition opening of his work at bitforms gallery this Thursday (February 2nd)
