Quiet please

The work consists of a prepared audio message. It is a short piece of information given in six languages: Polish, Russian, Spanish, German, French, and English: “Please be quiet! Thank you.”

The inspiration for the work comes from a real announcement I encountered in the Roman Pantheon, which was triggered when the noise generated by tourists intensified. This sound itself caused a great deal of confusion. In its concept, the work is intended to blend into the context and architecture of the place where it is presented. It was first displayed as part of the exhibition titled Silence of Sounds at the Wrocław Contemporary Museum (March 18 – May 30, 2016), where it was presented in the elevator shaft of a former air-raid shelter that now houses the museum.

Through its form and character, the installation also blended perfectly into the space of the Automatic Lathe Factory, where the 14th Survival Art Review – Workroom took place. The partially operating factory required specific behavior from both its daily users (employees) and the festival audience. Everyone had to adapt to the prevailing conditions and health and safety regulations there.