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The theremin is an electronic device that emits musical sounds in harmony with hand gestures. Early this century, Leon Theremin devised a box with two protruding rods that responded musically to hands moving nearby.
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Poster for the documentary film Theremin (click image for enlarged view) |
| Theremin subsequently invented "bugging" devices for the Russian secret service, until his release from scientific confinement in 1962. He spent the last decades of his life (nearly a century long) in his laboratory at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. | Now a new Theremin Center occupies the space. Founded by ANDREI SMIRNOV, the center houses the latest in electronic art technologies. |
Smirnov, sound designer
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A kaleidoscope of artists come to the Theremin Center to make videos, music, and multimedia works. |
 Borisova video Scarlet
(02:16 min. RealVideo clip) |
The video Scarlet by Natalia Borisova features the dancer Parfnutiy and Borisova's own sound design. |
Scarlet excerpt as storyboard
 
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An archaic electronic billboard was the canvas for a TANIA DETKINA action. Normally the lights carry prosaic information: if you smell gas, call ____; in case of fire, telephone ____. |
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| Detkina paid to have her message put up in lights. She flashed the names of her friends, and her name as well. Some artists denounced her self-promotion, but Detkina had only sought to demonstrate that official space is available for private use. |
Detkina in her computer savvy studio
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| The sign work belongs to the time of Gorbachev reforms. Detkina's focus has shifted from provocative actions to socially supportive efforts. |
In the video Bats, Detkina aims to make bats as lovable as teddy bears.
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