Ties That Bind

2019

Ties That Bind, 2019. Emeka Ogboh (Nigerian, b. 1977). Multichannel electronic sound composition; 21 minutes, 56 seconds; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Sundry Art - Miscellaneous Fund 2019.34 © Emeka Ogboh Ties That Bind is an electronic composition designed to create ambient sounds for the CMA’s African art collection. It comprises digitally manipulated soundscapes of flowing water, water waves, a creaking boat, the strumming of mbira (thumb piano), staccato bass, tone, and slap of the djembe (conja drum), electronic drum, ichaka (rattle), voice chants, and spoken word. The multisensory work creates a soothing ambience, re-energizing the otherwise sedentary historical objects by adding an animated contemporary feel to the African gallery. It is the first time a museum’s collection has directly inspired the artist’s work.