Brian Eno, the illustrious musician and producer, has once again blurred the lines between music and visual art with the introduction of the Brian Eno Turntable II. This remarkable creation, a collaboration with London’s Paul Stolper gallery, marks a significant moment in the synthesis of sound and visual aesthetics. With only 150 units available, this limited edition offers a unique circular acrylic turntable that boasts integrated LEDs, lighting up in an array of customizable colors in sync with the music. Each turntable carries the unique touch of Brian’s signature and an engraved edition number, making each piece a collectible artifact.
The turntable itself is a marvel of design and technology, featuring a one-piece resin body cloaked in frosted acrylic. Its cast acrylic platter, capable of spinning records at both 33 and 45 rpm, sits atop a white 8.6-inch Pro-Ject aluminum tonearm equipped with a white Ortofon 2M cartridge. The control board, powered by Arduino and illuminated by integral LEDs, provides a customizable color show synchronized with the music being played The dimensions of the turntable, standing 15 cm tall with a diameter of 45 cm, ensure it’s not just a musical instrument but a statement piece, complete with a 15-V DC power supply.
The Turntable II is not merely a device for playing vinyl; it transforms into a captivating sculpture when not in use, embodying the atmospheric essence synonymous with Eno’s musical compositions. The sequenced acrylic LED lights beneath the platter illuminate to produce a rhythmic, shifting landscape of colors, creating a serene backdrop that enhances any listening experience. The technology behind these shifting colorscapes is both programmed and random, ensuring that the ambient lighting is always a surprise, never repeating the same pattern twice.
Brian Eno draws inspiration for the Turntable II’s ‘Colorscapes’ from a diverse range of influences, including the painterly compositions of James Turrell, Mondrian, and the Russian avant-garde. This inspiration is evident in the way the colors evolve, mimicking the natural progression of the day from sunrise to twilight, offering a visual representation of time passing alongside the auditory experience.
The Paul Stolper Gallery in London is the venue where enthusiasts have the opportunity to witness the Turntable II in person, with a special launch event that occurred on February 13th. This exhibition allows visitors to delve into the intricacies of Eno’s design, observing the interplay of LED lights and the ethereal quality of the acrylic material. Priced at £20,000, the Turntable II stands as a testament to Brian Eno’s pioneering spirit in merging the realms of music, art, and technology.
Interestingly, the design of the Turntable II has also made its mark beyond the confines of art galleries and collectors’ spaces. It served as the inspiration for the stage set of U2 during their residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, highlighting its influence in popular culture and the entertainment industry.
As a piece of art, the Turntable II encapsulates Brian Eno’s multifaceted career – not only as a musician and producer but also as a visual artist. His exploration into the interaction between light and music has culminated in a creation that is both a functional turntable and a generative artwork, embodying his philosophy that art need not be confined to a single medium or purpose. The Turntable II, with its complex yet simple processes, offers a never-ending canvas of evolving visual and auditory experiences, cementing Brian Eno’s legacy as a pioneer at the intersection of music and visual art. If you’re interested in exceptional turntables design – be sure to check ultra-thin Bönwerk turntable.
