Sonance III by Robbie Doorman

In his new installation, the audience is invited to experience an assembly of sculptures that together compose a spacious sonic landscape. Moving away from conventional loudspeakers and optimal sound reference, the sculptures themselves are built as instruments, and they carry the sound in their materiality and shapes. The often invisibilized technical basis of a sound installation—wires, speakers, amplifiers—is now an integral part of the artistic expression.

For Conflux, other artists were invited to contribute to the installation with sound compositions and live performances. The guest musicians are challenged to rethink their understanding of sound and space. Their compositions play throughout the exhibition, creating an alternating ambiance.

'Chorale v.1' by cAimée Theriot

'See If See If See Thee' by Jilles van Kleef

Aimée Theriot and Jilles van Kleef will also both perform live on the Sonance III installation.

Aimée Theriot will perform as part of the Conflux Opening Performances at Katoenhuis on Thursday, 18 September at 21:00.

Jilles van Kleef will perform on the final day of the exhibition at Katoenhuis on Sunday, 21 September at 18:00.

Chorale v.1

Composition for Sonance III

Aimée Theriot

Chorale v.1 is rooted in the tradition of vocal choral music, built around the natural harmonic frequencies of the metal sculptures in Sonance III. As sound sustains and decays, it opens a space shaped by ghostly, lingering resonance. A rhythmic passage emerges, nodding to the trance-like states often evoked by ritual music across cultures. From Islamic nasheeds and Christian hymns to protest chants and healing ceremonies, ritual music has long bridged the spiritual and the communal, serving a purpose beyond entertainment by anchoring collective experiences through sound. Through these cyclical and harmonic structures, Chorale v.1 gestures toward a pursuit of meaning and grounding that unfolds through sound and listening.

The final moments of the composition feature a sample recorded during a pro-Palestine demonstration at Amsterdam Centraal Station, where hundreds gathered in a public ritual of collective noise-making to appeal for the defence of life in times of decay and destruction.

Robbie Doorman

Robbie Doorman is a sculptor and sound artist whose work explores the role of music and ritual in society. He investigates both the heritage and the future of musical traditions through sound, focusing on the full cycle of music, from the craftsmanship of instrument-making to the experience of listening. The materiality of his sculptures and the acoustic properties of the spaces they inhabit are integral to his practice. His ongoing installations Sonance and Klankkleur evolve with each exhibition, offering a new resonance each time they're presented.

Aimée Theriot

Aimée Theriot is a musician, sound artist, and organizer based in Amsterdam. Her music draws from free improvisation, ambient, ASMR, and soundscape recordings, with a heavy dose of experimentation using live electronics, field recordings, e-cello, and voice. Her work has been presented at festivals and galleries internationally, and her music has been released on labels such as Sofa Music, Editions Verde, Unheard Records, and Relative Pitch Records amongst others. She co-founded and facilitates The Social Music Club; open improvisation and sound experimentation sessions for musicians and non-musicians alike.Jilles van KleefJilles van Kleef is an Amsterdam based musician and artist. Their composition See If See If See Thee featuring electric guitar and electronics is specifically made for Sonance III.