HUMAN HARP 1 

Commission

Human Harp first occurred to Di in 2009 when she was a resident at the Eyebeam Art and Technology Center, in New York City. Scouting the city for new ideas, Di found herself standing on the Brooklyn Bridge over and over again. “There was something comforting about the bridge—its Alice in Wonderland scale.” Di sat down near one of the granite towers, pulled out a sketchpad, and began to draw the wooden promenade (like a xylophone) and the high-tension wire cables fanning overhead (like a harp) waiting to be played.

Film

The first Human Harp prototype was tested and filmed on the Brooklyn Bridge on its 130th Anniversary. The film was made in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London and Intel’s Creator’s Project. It starred performance artist Hollie Miller and was shot in collaboration with videographer Martin Noboa.  The film has since been screened at venues including the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Experience

Human Harp has continued to evolve through international collaborations with labs around the world. Led by Di, the Human Harp team explores ways to record, process and release the vibrations of suspension cables, enabling performers “play the bridge”. 

International Acclaim

Human Harp received global interest with articles in media such as Time Out, Observer, The New Yorker, Dezeen, Design Boom and The New York Times.