The Sound of Tea / Robert Angerer (AT)

The Sound of Tea

Robert Angerer (AT)

“The Sound of Tea” vividly demonstrates how a material produced by microorganisms can emit music in combination with electronic components.

During the fermentation of black tea, a cellulose-containing biofilm is created with the help of fungi and bacteria.

The constantly renewable, leather-like material – also sometimes referred to as “biotextile material” or “kombucha leather” – has many uses. In an experimental process, this biofilm was shown to be extremely suitable for use as the membrane of a loudspeaker, due to its flexibility and ability to form very thin stable layers.

In combination with an electromagnet in the form of a coil and a permanent magnet as a counter pole, this thin skin reproduces vibrations and sounds – and can be used as a loudspeaker for music.

In addition, the deliberately reduced design of the housing allows the material to come to the fore and at the same time draws the viewer’s attention to the simple functionality of a loudspeaker.