Ultrasonic Dialectics
DIY ultrasonic sound guns, 3D printed components, electronic components, two-channel audio installation (loop)
2025
Long-range acoustic devices (LRADs), also known as ultrasonic audio devices, have been used since their inception around 2004 as weapons of deterrence against the possibility of protest, despite the fact that numerous human rights organisations have denounced their dangerousness.
Ultrasonic Dialectics installs two rudimentary ultrasonic guns in the exhibition space, weakened versions of LRADs. Each gun emits a highly focused sound beam, difficult to hear unless one unknowingly passes through it.
The speakers play two discordant yet complementary sound tracks: on the first channel, a whispering voice repeats statements made by various public figures; on the second, the same voice asserts the exact opposite, lying or contradicting. Given the difficulty for a single viewer to listen to both versions of the facts, the desire for understanding can therefore only be satisfied by sharing the act of listening with another person, thus gaining access to both sides of the coin.
Thanks to Hendrik Leper for the support with the electronic components.