Marguerite Humeau – Echoes:

file0002.pdf – Quick pencil sketch I drew in Tate Britain of ‘Echoes.’

On a recent visit to Tate Britain, Marguerite Humeau’s ‘Echoes’ sound installation was an eye catching design of the museum. At the entrance of this display, the acid yellow walls intensifies your vision – as an manipulating, firm voice speaks phrases in nine languages that range from Arabic, Median and Persian. As it’s playing in the background, you are surrounded with amplified levels of obscurity.

Humeau explains in the interview for Tate Modern YouTube video that her installation is a ‘Eco system of clean structures and sound installation.’ The female voice she used is  in a form of Eyption ruler Cleopatra. The voice is delivered in a snake hissing manner, knowing Humeau’s idea of black mamba python venom was a take on the reptile’s natural poisonous weapon. The installation has a levitating, psychological purpose and definitely invokes your inner thoughts.

The sounds Humeau uses in her piece is really effective through the tannoy, the tanks on the floor dripping water when the voice disappears. Tubes are linked onto the sculptures, flowing through  Hippopotamus milk and alligator blood. These ‘Super Fluids’ have been researched to contain antibacterial and anti-virus qualities. The sculptures inspired Humeau from her research from ancient Egyptians, mythical goddesses and sacred animals, with their known infatuation of death. I think that this piece has a rich, meaningful stigma about it, it is a fine installation with great depth to it.