Being Human – Epidemic Jukebox The Wellcome Collection
The Brief
Being Human is the new permanent gallery at The Wellcome Collection, which explores what it means to be human in the 21st Century, featuring over 50 artworks and objects. We were commissioned to create an interactive jukebox featuring the work of designer Bethan Laura-Wood in collaboration with glass artisan Pietro Viero. The jukebox plays a collection of songs from across the world that relate to epidemics, from AIDs to Ebola. Some were part of campaigns sponsored by governments or health agencies, while others were more spontaneous creative responses.
The Solution
We wanted the installation’s form to hark back to that of a classic jukebox, with its curved glass top and panel display of song titles, but also for it to compliment Bethan’s glass artwork housed inside. The artwork itself slowly rotates, with its many layered discs mimicking that of a stack of vinyl records. The visitor slides a controller to move through the tracks, which cross-face into each other, illuminating their name and song title as they are selected. A laser line moves across the glass artwork, refracting as it follows the contours of its form. Lights inside the unit reflect across the piece, casting moving reflections and shadows across the walls. The music is played through localised pod speakers above the installation, creating an immersive audio experience.
