Görkem Arikan’s Wirwarp is an instrument incorporating conductive rubber cord stretch sensors. These sensors create a dynamic mesh on a wooden frame, providing a touch canvas for sonic exploration through the manipulation of tension dynamics. Playing the instrument involves warping and tangling the mesh – pulling the cords, pushing the nodes, and adjusting the frame’s angle with movable hinges. 

Arikan was inspired to develop Wirwarp by the distinctive tactile approach to sonic interactions and musical expression of Dutch composer, performer and inventor of experimental electronic musical instruments Michel Waisvisz (1949–2008). The design of Wirwarp is based on Waisvisz’ Belly Web, an invention constructed from a small web, and played using intuitive finger movements. Suited for controlling timbral sound structures and live manipulation of computer-generated images, Belly Web was created in 1996 by Waisvisz in collaboration with Jorgen Brinkman from STEIM.

Credits:
Artistic Director: Görkem Arıkan
Sound Designer: Joris Takken
Interface Designer: Lucas Vonk
Electronics, Sound Designer: Rahsaan Bleijs
Interface Designer, Sound Designer: Roman Willems
Advisory Board: Floortje Smehuijzen & Temo Gonzalez