For Manifesta 7, Timo Kahlen will realize a prominent, site-specific sound installation, entitled SWARM (2008) for the main courtyard of Franzensfeste / Fortezza fortress, one of the four main venues of Manifesta 7, European Biennial of Contemporary Art, Trentino, Italy from July 19 - November 2, 2008.

“The sound sculpture SWARM emits an altered, abstracted, recomposed sound of bees, encased within a metal construction. Humming calmly, then becoming distorted, slightly agitated, progressively more aggressive, the installation creates acoustic chaos and even a perceptible vibration from inside the encasement, before returning to a softly buzzing hum. The military function of the fortress is mirrored in the exact positioning and the construction of the sculpture. Its shape is defensive, armored with riveted sheets of steel, evoking the form of an object of warfare. Its potential for aggression and its aura of alertness reflects the color and consistency of the granite stone and monochrome roof tiles of the 19th century fortress. The subtle - and at the same time irritating, confrontational - sound installation becomes integrated into the site. During the exhibition, rust will gradually change the metal surface of Kahlen’s sound object.” (Manifesta 7 Guidebook available)