Human Connection Through Art and Sound

Before I visit Pearla Pigao’s exhibition, Weaving Voices, now on display at Steinkjer Kulturhus, I read the press release and find myself instantly curious about the many elements at play. There are fiber works, sculptures, sound, water, and a potentially interactive element in the work that is mentioned in passing. I wonder how all these components will come together in the space and how interactive it will actually be.

I arrive at the opening a few minutes before it begins. Small groups of people quietly stand around the closed doors. When the doors finally open, there is a hesitant shift as people slowly enter the space. The room is relatively small. I can immediately take in every piece included in the exhibition. First, I notice six woven pieces that hang from the ceiling. They are made with a silver thread that shimmers in the light. On the wall across from it hangs a large LED panel. On the floor in front of the textile works are three flat wooden sculptures. They resemble bird bath bowls, and each one contains a shallow pool of water. 

As I walk around the exhibition, I wonder what the interactive element is. I don’t notice any signs or direction anywhere in the space. It isn’t until Pigao herself steps up to one of the woven pieces, placing her body inches from the work, that it becomes clear. At her movement, sounds begin to echo through the room. It has a kind of angelic quality to it and reminds me of the noise electronic keyboards make when they are programmed to the ‘choir’ or ‘vocal’ setting. The note is long and sustained. The audience catches on quickly, and someone else steps up to a different woven piece, another musical tone begins, and plays in harmony with the sound Pigao is making.

I walk up to one of the fabric works and place my hand in front of it. An ethereal and deep chord rings through the room and continues as I move around the piece, letting my hand glide through the air across the work. I feel a sense of euphoria. The sound is so beautiful, and the way it harmonizes with the other notes playing from other visitors’ interactions makes me smile. Next, I walk across the room and squat down to dip my finger into one of the three pools of water. Vocal tones ring out around me. I repeatedly dip my finger into the water and remove it, listening as the music starts and stops with my movements. I am filled with absolute delight, and when I look around at my fellow visitors, I can tell they are excited too. Everyone is smiling at each other and taking turns interacting with the pieces. A kind of child-like joy fills the space as this room of grown adults excitedly participates with the artworks around them, making the music start and stop with their movements. It is a stark contrast to the way this group was interacting just a few minutes before while waiting outside the doors. Each visitor becomes a musician, and together we compose our own arrangement using Pigao’s works. 

The LED panel on the wall reflects whatever noise is occurring in the room and lights up with different woven patterns depending on the sound. It becomes a visual representation of whatever song is being composed by visitors. I feel a sense of connection not only to the works but towards the complete strangers that stand around me as we take part in the wonder of creating together. 

When the time finally comes to leave, I am almost sad to go. I’m grateful for the experience I’ve just had and am intrigued by how Pigao was able to create such a connected and ethereal space among strangers. I do wish there were more signs to help direct and encourage interactions with the work. There are some directions, but they’re on a piece of paper placed off to the side of the entrance. In a world where the phrase “Do Not Touch The Art” rings loudly in my mind (and for good reasons), it would have been nice to have more explicit direction or permission clearly marked in the room. Ultimately, though, Weaving Voices was a unique and immersive experience that is sure to spark a deep sense of joy and connection in those who visit.

Artikkelfoto: Pearla Pigao, Weaving Voices, Kunstrom Jakob. Foto: Susann Jamtøy

Pearla Pigao
Weaving Voices
12. mars–16. mai 2026
Kunstrom Jakob, Steinkjer Kulturhus