TEMPO RUBATO (STOLEN TIME), Nikita Gale (2023-2024)

SUMMARY
In Nikita Gale’s TEMPO RUBATO (STOLEN TIME), a modified player piano performs a musical score without striking the internal strings that create the musical notes of a piano. Instead, the sound of the hammers striking is transduced by microphones hidden inside of the piano, amplified, and played from speakers below and above the piano, creating a muted, rhythmic, thumping sound concurrent with the movement of the keys and audible to most visitors. Simultaneously, the overhead lighting from four LED theater lights installed in the ceiling shifts in focus and intensity on the piano. Two benches are arranged in the space on adjacent walls, across from two speakers. The vibration of the sound is transduced and can also be felt by visitors seated on the benches.

TREATMENT
Completed Identity Report and Exhibition Report, documented deinstallation in collaboration with WMAA AV staff, and added a Condition Report for the deinstallation to TMS. Before the work was packed, I dusted the piano overall with microfiber cloth and compressed air and removed museum wax with ShellSol 71. After reviewing all of the elements in the installation, Savannah Campbell and I determined with AV and Theater staff that the computer tower, iPad, and EOS USB drive needed to be accessioned as components. Adhesive putty used to attach the microphones to the piano was retained for the Material Research Collection.