21 Swings
21 Swings is an exercise in musical cooperation brought to the city of Montreal by Mouna Andraos and Melissa Mongiat. This interactive installation can be found in Montreal’s public space: Quatier des Spectacles. It consists of 21 lit up swings in sections of 3, which when in motion, chimes begin to play in rhythm. The more people swinging, the fuller the sound.
“The installation offers a fresh look at the idea of cooperation - the notion that we can achieve more together than alone”
I had the chance to try the swings out and it really did stir up a number of different reactions in me. Of course, there’s the clear reference to our childhood and carefree days at a park. When I walked past the swings, I noticed every single person had a smile on their face, their eyes wide with wonder as they listened for the melody to change as they swung. There was a lot of laughter and cooperation, all of this happening at the centre of the city with buses and cars flying by - things seemed to stop or at least slow down when in the presence of the 21 Swings.
Watch the video by Daily/Tous Les Jours to see these swings in action.
