Calming, evoking, frightening, curiosity, peaceful, and impressive are a few words that instantly came to mind as I reflected on our trip to the Rubin Museum and though about what the fluidity of sound means in reference to the exhibit we experienced. Similar to the fluidity of sound extending from life to death in Tibetan Buddhism, the fluidity of sound we experienced seemed to transport us into new realm, a new unknown. The “Oms” voiced by various individuals, the sounds of the river, the wind, and the reflecting piece we analyzed on the 1st floor and the Buddhist mantras heard throughout the space created such a natural and harmonious atmosphere for the art on display. The various sounds were manipulated in a way that was far from overpowering or distracting, and instead fluid, free, and comforting.
