Max Neuhaus

In everyday life, sounds are often perceived as signals: sounds can be warnings, can provide you with information, or tell you where to go. Over the centuries, various different sounds in Graz made sure that people knew when to set off for church on time, leave school, or get themselves to safety – or even just told them what time it was.

Inspired by these different contexts, Neuhaus’ Time Piece Graz creates an external space around Kunsthaus Graz defined by sound. It appears periodically as an audible signal. In contrast to the traditional sound of a bell, which begins loudly and gradually gets quieter, Neuhaus created a sound for Graz that is not noticed by passers-by until it disappears. It begins 10 minutes before the hour and gradually gets louder. Five minutes before the hour, at its loudest point, the sound suddenly stops, creating a moment of quiet.

As a centre of art, this building focuses on human perception. It now sends a regular signal that reminds people of the current moment, for just a short period of time. Max Neuhaus gave the Kunsthaus Graz its own voice.