BE

The following is placeholder text known as “lorem ipsum,” which is scrambled Latin used by designers to mimic real copy. Mauris egestas at nibh nec finibus. Aenean eu justo sed elit dignissim aliquam. Aenean eu justo sed elit dignissim aliquam. Mauris id fermentum nulla. Integer tempus, elit in laoreet posuere, lectus neque blandit dui, et placerat urna diam mattis orci.

The Band

BE is a collaboration between artist Wolfgang Buttress, musicians Tony Foster, Kev Bales, Deirdre Bencsik, Camille Christel, scientist Dr. Martin Bencsik and 40,000 honey bees.

Science

The musicians teamed-up with bee expert Dr. Martin Bencsik, a physicist from Nottingham Trent University, who is undertaking cutting-edge research to better understand communication within honey bee colonies. Using accelerometers (devices sensitive to tiny vibrations) embedded in the beehive he is able to study the patterns of sounds that the insects make, and thereby to monitor the health and behaviour the colony.

Art

Wolfgang collaborated with Dr. Martin Bencsik, a physicist based at Nottingham Trent University, who uses accelerometers – devices sensitive to minute vibrations – to detect and translate vibrations caused by bees during their activities and as they communicate with one another. Accelerometers (vibration sensors) are used to measure the activity of a real bee colony living at Kew, feeding live signals to 1000 LED luminaires which line the interior of the Hive. Algorithms are used to convert these vibrational signals into lighting effects, allowing the Hive to convey a visual representation of the state of the colony. This visual experience is complemented by a soundscape based upon pre-recorded bee sounds and harmonious stems crafted by an ensemble of musicians. The Hive acts as a medium or interface, conveying the activity of bees directly to the visitor at that point in time. Each instance is unique and changing, no two moments are the same.

Reviews

The Guardian, Five Best Gigs of the Week
‘There was no other record like BE’s One this year: a meditative drone symphony featuring a choir of 40,000 bees. And there will be no other gig like this, which not only involves the bees but interactive visuals and unique scents created by perfumiers Haeckels. This is no novelty act, though; it’s music not just about bees but existence itself.’
Tim Jonze, The Guardian