Renowned English musician and artist Brian Eno has once again mesmerized the world with his latest creation, the Brian Eno Turntable II. Following the success of his original neon turntable released in 2021, Eno's latest iteration continues to captivate both audiophiles and art lovers alike.
Eno's Turntable II is a fusion of art and technology, designed to evoke an immersive sensory experience. Crafted from frosted-cast acrylic and adorned with vibrant LED lights, the turntable transforms any space into a kaleidoscope of color. Each unit is a functional sculpture, capable of illuminating a room even when not in use.
"When it doesn’t have to do anything in particular, like play a record, it is a sculpture," Eno said.
Unlike conventional turntables, the Brian Eno Turntable II features a mesmerizing light sequence that shifts and evolves in a rhythmic dance of hues. Eno's vision for the device draws inspiration from luminaries such as James Turrell and Mondrian, as well as the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. The result is a mesmerizing display of generative colorscapes that blur the boundaries between art and technology.
(Image credit: Paul Stolper Gallery)
"Since my first experiments with light and sound in the late 1960's, I’ve never ceased to be fascinated by the amazingly intricate, complex and unpredictable results produced by simple deterministic systems," Eno said.
"Out of simplicity, complexity arises. That is for me the most incredible idea of evolution theory and of cybernetics. John Cage once said: 'The function of Art is to imitate Nature in her manner of operation' and that has been an objective for me throughout my working life."
At the heart of the Turntable II lies a devotion to craftsmanship and creation. The device boasts a one-piece resin body, a cast acrylic platter, and a white 8.6-inch aluminum tonearm from Pro-Ject, ensuring both exceptional performance and visual appeal. With support for both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, the turntable offers a versatile listening experience for vinyl enthusiasts.
(Image credit: Paul Stolper Gallery)
"I use the same sorts of generative processes in music as in painting, based on overlapping unsynchronised cycles. Several overlapping light cycles will keep producing different colour balances and blends - and different shadow formations that slowly evolve and never exactly repeat. The process is simple. The results are complex." Eno said.
"I started using light and video because I wanted to make visual experiences that had some of the qualities of musical experiences - that’s to say, that existed and changed in time. I wanted to make very slowly changing paintings, to blur the edges that separate those different forms." Eno explained.
Limited to just 150 units worldwide, each Turntable II bears Eno's signature and edition number, making it a coveted collector's item. However, exclusivity comes at a price, with the launch price set at a staggering £20,000. Despite the hefty price tag, demand for the Turntable II is expected to be high, with Eno's loyal fanbase eager to secure their piece of audiovisual artistry.
(Image credit: Paul Stolper Gallery)
Brian Eno Turntable II Components List:
To celebrate the launch of the Brian Eno Turntable II, the Paul Stolper Gallery in London is hosting an exhibition from February 13th to March 9th, 2024. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the device firsthand and immerse themselves in its hypnotic display of light and sound.
