Fatamorgana was founded in 1999 by Reinert Mithassel as an organization that unites a network of people interested in the creation of multi-disciplinary environments. Depending on the nature of the project visual artists, sound engineers, computer programmers and set designers are invited to work together. 'Ekkofisk', as they christened their new bio-digital sound installation, is the outcome of a collaboration between Reinert Mithassel, composer Ole Henrik Moe Jr, composer and computer wizard Trond Lossius, set designer Carle Lange, and sound engineer Paal Nygard. The work was initially produced for the Bergen Aquarium in Norway. With 'Ekkofisk' they utilize the trailblazing MAX/nato software program that enables them to generate sound from visual data. This is an increasingly popular multimedia program for developing total art environments. It has been used in situations as varied as spectacular U2 concerts or Brian Eno's subtle sound installations.
'Ekkofisk' uses two Apple G4 machines running MAX/nato to create an organic-digital sound installation in which two goldfish are engaged to collaborate with a computer in order to generate music in real time, simply by doing what comes natural to them: swimming about in the 90 x 120 centimetre tank that has been prepared for their absent-minded recital. Extending from the tank are two triangular-shaped boxes containing video cameras that are pointed at the unsuspecting fish. The cameras register the positions, movements and speed of the fish as well as their changes in direction and distance from each other.
These data are then fed into the computer and translated through an array of mathematical formulas into sound transmitted from four loudspeakers. Within defined but varying degrees the fish control all the factors involved in adjusting the sound: pitch, volume, vibrato, attack and decay. This gives us the sound of an ethereal choir accompanied by occasional bells. As one walks round the tank, the melodic music and the slow movements of the fish create a hypnotic almost otherworldly experience, immersing the viewer/listener in an ambient and serene atmosphere. Here, a fata morgana is created, not by atmospheric conditions, but by digital technology. In 'Ekkofisk' this results in a real time bio-digital 'jam session'.
– Alice Smits
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