David Yepez Studio - Dante’s Music Box: The Lustful
Dante’s music boxes are an exploration of the circles of Dante’s Inferno. In Circle 2 the lovers Dante describes those whose sin is lust will be forever whirled in a dark dark stormy wind, damned souls spinning in a whirlwind of torment for eternity. I chose to depict this scene in a single photograph.
The multi-stage process of producing the image began with black and white film photography, the photos were then scanned and collaged digitally. Finally, the digital files were transferred back to black and white film and printed traditionally. The printed image -- a sea of tormented lovers -- was built into the interior of the walnut music box, while the exterior features an isolated figure from the collage.
The sound feature was designed to reimagine the traditional music box. While most music boxes feature sound that is either on or off, this box has a dynamic interactive interface, allowing you to control the volume level by adjusting the door position. Beginning at a hush, the volume grows proportionally to the opening of the doors, and fades in relationship to the doors closing.
This was achieved by programming integrated circuits with sensors embedded within the box. All of the sound elements are invisible to highlight the craftsmanship of the box and the beauty of the photography. The haunting Gregorian chants that emit from the opened box are a nod to the catholic backdrop of Dante’s masterpiece. It creates a somber soundtrack as you peer at the depiction of the faceless souls and contemplate the knowledge that our existence is finite.
Edition of 9
2019
Dimensions Closed: 24.75”T x 17.25”W x 4.25”D
Dimensions Open: 24.75”T x 34.5”W x 4.25”D
Wood, Photographs, Brass, Electronics
