In the creative worldview of Ryuichi Sakamoto, no clear boundaries separated S (Sound), N (Noise) and M (Music). All sounds were equal. All were worth listening to, and all could potentially be a starting point for creation. He also believed that making music was a pleasure that anyone could enjoy, that should not be limited to those with professional training. The Sound Box is an expression of this creative idea, transforming sound into an experience everyone can personally take part in.
This installation uses two discarded pianos as its structural foundation, as an extension of the concept of the prepared piano, which influenced Sakamoto’s art. It returns the piano from the state of a musical instrument back to an object that produces sounds. The installation also incorporates a Noise Box, an unconventional instrument that allows visitors to explore sound’s rich possibilities. It also features a Field Drum that triggers samples of sounds from everyday life, with which visitors can freely create various auditory layers using an electronic interface. Sounds from outside the museum are also incorporated into the Sound Box, reflecting Sakamoto’s fascination with environmental sounds and random chance. Once generated, the sounds dissipate, and they mutually overlap with the sounds that visitors create, making each moment of creation an unpredictable, unrepeatable sonic experience.
Dates: October 31, 2026 (Sat) – March 14, 2027 (Sun)
Location: Corridor 103 (near the exhibition exit)
Participants: Visitors to Ryuichi Sakamoto | seeing sound, hearing time. Children under 6 must be accompanied and assisted by a parent or caregiver throughout the experience.
How to Participate: First-come, first-served; no separate reservation is required. Advance time-slot reservations are required for exhibition admission.
Notes:
1. Each session accommodates up to 3 people and lasts 3 minutes.
2. Please read the User Guide and relevant guidelines carefully before starting.
3. Please follow staff instructions and leave the Sound Box promptly after your session to ensure a smooth experience for other visitors.
Program Team
Program Supervision | San Shung, Education and Public Services Department
Program Planning and Coordination | Huiying Chen, Huang Siou-lin, Lin Yi-Chun, Education and Public Services Department
Sound Design: PUZZLEMAN
Installation Design: ZAP; Co-created by Huang Yen-Hsiang, Cheng Jen-Hsiang, Hong Yang-Che
Visual Design | Rohan Hu
Translation (Chinese to English) | Brent Heinrich
PUZZLEMAN Artist Management | KT Liu (KAO! INC.)
Installation Support | Huang Hao-Min
Soundproof Booth | W&A TOOLS TECH. CO., LTD.
Lighting | l'atelier muxuan