Drawing robot, Esquisse, draws its interpretation of the two-piano composition, Amen de la Création, by Olivier Messiaen.
The designers were given a ‘Mirobot Maker Kit’ to create a drawing robot. Mirobot is a programmable WiFi drawing robot with two wheels and a pen that goes around a paper to draw shapes. We wanted to create a project that utilizes our backgrounds in classical music and design to generate a different perspective. 'Amen de la Création' is an extremely complex piece of music, and contrary, Mirobot is a simple drawing robot; therefore the combination of complexity and simplicity has the possibility to reach a unique balance between two worlds.
1. Esquisse
Esquisse is a quick instinctive sketch. This drawing format magnifies changes that are not expressed in other sketching methods, such as the rapid movement of a person, object, light, or wind flow. Therefore, artists use esquisse to illustrate the changes in movement and time.
2. Visions de l'Amen
Visions de l’Amen is an hour-long two-piano composition by French composer, Olivier Messiaen. The work contains seven visions of Amen. Amen de la Création is the first piece of the set, where "the theme of creation arises from the dark depths, steady, solemn, and hymn-like. As the daylight gradually swells and expands, bell-like chords ring ever louder, glistening like precious stones turned in the sunlight" (Duke Divinity School, n.d.). The contrasting sonority and register between the two pianos create a unique architectural soundscape.
3. 'Esquisse'
Music is an art form that utilizes time as an important expression factor. The project applies the drawing format, esquisse, to capture and record movements in music, and to illustrate a robot's interpretation of 'Amen de la Création'.
