Babillages (father and son)

Babillages (father and son)

"Babillages" is a sculpture that explores the playful nature of language through an interactive sculpture made of steel and ceramic. This artwork invites viewers to engage with it, offering a tactile and auditory experience that symbolizes language's dynamic and ever-changing nature.

The theme is the fluidity and playfulness of language, especially unfamiliar languages. It reflects how language can transform into abstract sounds, becoming playful and engaging. The sculpture embodies the feeling of encountering a faraway language, one that is intriguing and unfamiliar, yet carries a universal sense of curiosity and playfulness.

The structure is a steel pole designed to resemble an old streetlight, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Each part of the pole is moveable, allowing for physical interaction. Ceramic balls or "beads" are placed at the corners of the bent steel. These balls are filled with smaller ceramic beads, creating a gentle, tinkling sound when the parts are moved.

Visitors are encouraged to touch and manipulate the moveable parts of the sculpture. As these parts shift, the ceramic beads inside the balls produce varying sounds, creating an engaging auditory experience. This combination of tactile and auditory elements invites visitors to interact with the piece playfully, much like playing in a playground.

Interacting with "Babillages" is like encountering a foreign language in a familiar setting. The sounds produced by the ceramic beads are reminiscent of words and phrases that are not understood but are intriguing and enjoyable. This auditory experience evokes a sense of discovery and play, much like the excitement of hearing a faraway language spoken next door.

"Babillages" symbolize the playful interaction we have with language, especially when it is unfamiliar. The sounds produced by the ceramic beads represent how words can become abstract and enjoyable noises when not understood. The moveable parts and the sounds they produce highlight the dynamic and ever-changing nature of language, akin to juggling with words and meanings.

The sculpture also reflects the feeling of encountering a language from afar in a familiar context. This juxtaposition creates a sense of wonder and curiosity, as the foreign sounds blend with the familiar setting, making the distance feel close and personal.

"Babillages" is a testament to the joy and creativity inherent in communication. By encouraging active participation, the artwork makes each visitor's experience unique and personal. It invites us to reconnect with the playful aspects of language and sound, much like discovering the beauty of a faraway language spoken next door. The interactive nature of the piece ensures that every interaction is a new journey, filled with the delight of discovery and the universal pleasure of play.

2024
180cm x 120cm, 130cm x 100cm
Elise EL YOUSFI

Elise EL YOUSFI