Museum collaboration brings interdisciplinary artist Trimpin to Student Union

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

A collaboration between the OSU Museum of Art and the OSU Student Union will bring internationally-known artist Trimpin, along with his visitor-activated art piece titled Red Hot Orange, to OSU this year. 

Trimpin is a kinetic sculptor, sound artist, and musician. His objects span multiples genres – functioning as complex sculptural pieces as well as musical instruments. Red Hot Orange, on display in the Student Union starting Oct. 28, is a red-painted baby grand piano with reconfigured strings that are altered to produce a variety of sounds. The instrument has also been modified to operate as an automatic robotic structure. Trimpin has created a participatory role for audience members in which they stand in a designated space and activate this “sculpture” by gesturing in a conductor-like manner, generating sounds from the object. A music stand in front of the piano holds instructions on how to activate it. 

Red Hot Orange will be installed on the first floor of the Student Union, at the Bookstore entrance, from Oct. 28 through March 11.  After March 11, Red Hot Orange will move to the OSU Museum of Art, where it will stay until July. Trimpin will also return to Stillwater to conduct a spring break workshop for OSU students, faculty, and staff at the OSU Museum of Art.  Information about the workshop and all related events may be found below.

Wednesday, Oct. 28

4 to 6 p.m., Student Union (1st floor bookstore entrance)

An opening reception, attended by the artist, to celebrate Red Hot Orange’s inaugural composition at OSU.

Tuesday, Feb. 2

7 p.m., Student Union (Theatre)

Public showing of Trimpin: The Sound of Invention, a 2009 documentary. 

March 14 – 18

OSU Museum of Art

This free workshop is open to OSU students, faculty, and staff. It is limited to only 20 participants and online registration is required to reserve a spot. Register at museum.okstate.edu.  The workshop will culminate in a public performance at the museum on Monday, March 21. 

Monday, March 21

6 p.m., OSU Museum of Art

A unique public performance featuring Trimpin, Red Hot Orange, and the spring break workshop participants.