The Soul of the Temple
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011, 6:30 PM – 7 PM
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011, 6:30 PM – 7 PM
Thursday, September 1st, 2011, 6:30 PM – 7 PM
Friday, September 2nd, 2011, 6:30 PM – 7 PM
Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, 6:30 PM – 7 PM
Description:
The Soul of the Temple is the Gamelatron, an orchestra of antique gongs used in balinese temple ceremonies outfitted with robotic counterparts.
The traditional instruments that are played robotically in the Gamelatron are authentic gongs that were used in temple ceremonies in Bali for decades before they came to the United States. This authenticity contributes an energy of spiritual legitimacy to the project. The 5-tone tuning system of the gongs reflects the 5 cardinal directions of the universe (North, South, East, West and Center). When they are rung they conjure the god energies of the greater universe into the space. Gamelan music in Bali is often present in temples as part the spiritual practice of making and purifying offerings for the Gods.
The instruments the Gamelatron will use are from the traditional ensemble known as Beleganjur. Beleganjur is most commonly used in ceremonies to accompany the body of the dead to its pyre. The music purifies the space around the body, scaring off the evil spirits that would stray the soul from its destiny to be released in fire. The temple at Burningman is destine to burn, and with it the release of prayers and intentions of an entire community. The songs of the Gamelatron foster an alchemic transformation of these prayers and intentions while creating a sacred space to the temple grounds.