„A music colour performance using a soap filmmembrane is indeed a manifestation of harmony, simplicity and symmetry, all concepts belonging to the beauty frame of physics.” (Rämme 2006: 43)
Bubble Cymatics has been an integral part of my work since 2020. What does sound look like? This is the question I set out to answer, using soap films as my medium. I explore how sound frequencies manifest as stunning organic patterns on the surface of soap films and bubbles, capturing them in photographs and films. The project blends art, physics, and music, turning abstract vibrations into visible forms.
The concept of visualizing sound is not new. For centuries, artists and scientists have sought ways to bring the invisible forces of sound into the realm of the visible. One early experiment by Ernst F.F. Chladni involved sprinkling sand on a vibrating glass plate, while Hans Jenny’s work in the 20th century brought the concept of Cymatics into the spotlight, using sound to create mesmerizing patterns in fluids. I build upon these traditions, applying my own experiments to the medium of soap film.
In 2020, with the support of arts and culture funding from the state of Lower Austria, I was able to further explore this fascinating intersection of sound and visuals. Working in a controlled experimental setup, I utilized custom-made soap solutions and various sound frequencies to observe how the soap films responded to these vibrations. The soap film would form intricate, often symmetrical patterns in response to the vibrations, with lower frequencies creating three-dimensional shapes, while higher frequencies produced flat, colorful designs.
The process involves using acrylic tubes dipped in soap solution. When sound is played through a speaker placed near the tubes, the soap films vibrate and respond to the frequencies. I used a variety of sound sources — from classical music to contemporary genres — to see how each influenced the soap film. Some instruments, like wind instruments and voices, produced particularly striking effects, which I documented through high-quality macro photography and videography.
What I find particularly captivating is the way that different sound frequencies create different colors and patterns on the soap film. These colors arise due to the varying thickness of the soap film, which interferes with light waves in unique ways. By adjusting the lighting and camera settings, I was able to capture these fleeting moments, preserving the beauty of these sound-induced patterns.
The visual results of these experiments are not just photographs or videos; they represent the harmonious connection between art, physics, and music. The project explores the relationship between form, sound, and color, allowing me to create images that are as much about the science of vibration as they are about artistic expression.
Images from the initial exploratory phase in 2020, where I worked with various frequencies and sound sources, can be found below. The knowledge gained in these early experiments is opening up exciting new possibilities for future work in visualizing sound, especially in the context of live music and performance.