The “Ektara Extended” was the first prototype of an autonomous diptyque sound installation. In 2021, I automated an ancient bengal instrument serving as a point of departure for the project "Autonomics".

The Ektara extended is based on a Bengali one stringed instrument, which I have “hacked”. I chose an instrument with one string and a pitch bending possibility because I was at the time interested in an imitation of the human voice. The ektara is now equipped with sensors that register environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, air-quality) as well as sensors detecting the presence and proximity of visitors, and a screen displaying corresponding data and warning the visitors if their presence is too close or if the pollution level is too high. The data captured by the sensors controls an e-bow that creates a sustained note when activated, as well as several motors that excite the string, change its tension and pitch, and add an additional scratchy sound to the mix.

The choice of the ektara was based on its sole string and pitch-bending potentialities, echoing the human voice. The ektara extended was a solo instrument prototype waiting for the project "Autonomics" to evolve, through collaborations and residencies. The instrument was revisited both sonically and sculpturally, in order to join the rest of an unfolding orchestra.