New York – A theremin is an instrument you have to see to believe. Invented in 1928 by Léon Theremin, it is the only musical instrument that you do not have to touch to play. Instead, its undulating sound is controlled by the user’s hand movements reacting with the electromagnetic field emitted from its antennae. Now, furniture designer François Chambard has created a collection of 12 theremins for an exhibit celebrating music, performance and art.
The exhibit, Odd Harmonics at Judith Charles Gallery in downtown Manhattan, is a collaboration with Moog Music and Butterscotch Records to celebrate the launch of the label. Chambard’s theremins are fanciful interpretations of the instrument with whimsical colours and retro-style woodwork.
The quirky visual aesthetic of the Odd Harmonics theremins, and the objects themselves, are bold, playful and on the flamboyant side. For more on how designers are seeking comfort in kitsch culture, read our Neo Kitsch design direction.