Michael Ang - Magnesynth
About: Michael Ang (Mang) is an artist and engineer who creates light objects, interactive installations, and technological tools that expand the possibilities of human expression and connection. Applying a hacker’s aesthetic, he often repurposes existing technology to create human-centered experiences in public space and the open field. Countering the trend for technology to dissociate us from ourselves and surroundings, Michael’s works connect us to each other and the experience of the present moment. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice of Interactive Media at New York University Abu Dhabi where he teaches courses such as Desert Media Art and Music Devices.
Michael’s work has shown internationally at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, ISEA, Mutek AE, Media Architecture Biennale, Moscow Museum of Modern Art (MMOMA), transmediale, White Wall Beirut, Gray Area Foundation For The Arts, NASA Ames Research Center, Dubai Design Week, Sikka Art and Design Festival, and many others.
Piece: Magnesynth is a modular synthesizer combining physical strings, electronic music synthesis, physical computing, and electromagnetic phenomena. The physical strings serve as the starting point for the sound which is then modified by a modular synthesizer. The strings can be plucked by hand or mechanically actuated from a custom-programmed CircuitPython board. The mix of strings, electronic sound synthesis, and physical computing create unique opportunities for an expressive hybrid musical performance. The Magnesynth is designed as an open playground for experimentation using a mix of 3D printed parts, readily available components, and open source code.