Sky-Earth Observatory

In the middle of a play field in the Amsterdamse Bos lies a silver sculpture you’re not only allowed to touch — you’re invited to lie down on it.
Mark Bain’s Sky-Earth Observatory collects the sounds of its surroundings through small microphones attached to the trees. This close to Schiphol, that mostly means low-flying aircraft. But instead of treating the roar as a nuisance, the artwork transforms it into a soft, low-frequency vibration that ripples through the aluminium platform. Take a seat, and you’ll feel the airplane noise as a soothing hum through your body.
The work was first created in 2017 as a temporary piece for Cure Park – Art of Care, a manifestation about the healing power of art. Since 2022, it has found a permanent home in the forest.

This text is from the chapter by Radna Rumping in the book You are here – Art in the public spaces of Amsterdam. The book is available via this link.