Coltan is a mineral, found specially in eastern Congo, used to make cells and computer chips. Violent rebel groups are exploiting coltan mining to help finance a bloody civil war which is now in its 12th year.
The link between the bloodshed and coltan is causing alarm among high-tec manufacturers slowly they are beginning to realise that their products may contain the tainted fruits of civil war. Since the outbreak of fighting in august 1998: an estimated 5.4 million people have died; 45.000 continue to die each month; Children account for 47% of these deaths
Magic Piano is a music installation. With the help of a tablet (that obviously contains coltan) you will be able to play the piano. Use the device to navigate on the wall. When you pass on the screen over a charater, a sound will be activated. If you push the character with your finger a sound loop will be activated. You will also activate the animation of each character.
Enjoy composing your own music and see how coltan slaves dance with you!
Magic Piano installation had been conceived for Dream Box exhibition at MIMA museum, Brussels. In the show you will also found works from Felipe Pantone, Hello, Gogolplex and Elzo Durt.
Project directed by Escif, App by Felix Artagaveytia, Músic and performans by Manu Louis, Photography by David Lewis, Introduction texts by Keely Peden.
So many thanks to everyone involved on this project: Alice, Raph, Anouk, etc