Tomoko Sauvage

Buloklok, 2022

Glass, water, hydrophone, pumps, tubes, sound system

Buloklok is conceived as a timepiece that counts the breathing rhythms of different animals. The glass sculptures release bubbles from their "mouths" each time the upper part of their cavities is filled with air, generating notes and rhythms according to the size of these cavities and the pressure of the pumps that operate them. The installation echoes the performative practice of Tomoko Sauvage, who uses cowrie shells as musical instruments producing bubble sounds. It also echoes the artist's recurring motif, the clepsydra, or water clock, considered the oldest instrument for measuring time. Until recently, time was elastic and defined by the observation of celestial bodies, with seasonal and geographical variations. Buloklok reflects on these fluid, empirical and intimate temporalities, just as each living being has its own breathing rhythms.

Glass sculptures created by glassblowers Takashi Hamada and Silicybine.

The first iterations of Buloklok were supported by Sonic Acts, Amsterdam, and co-supported by The 5th Floor, Tokyo.

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Tomoko Sauvage

Born in 1976
Based in Paris

Tomoko Sauvage's work lies at the intersection of natural elements and electronic music, creating immersive soundscapes. Her work often invites us to experience sound in a sensory and contemplative way through instruments that combine water, ceramics, underwater amplification, and electronics. Tomoko Sauvage explores the unpredictable dynamics of these materials through performances and sound installations.