Leanne Read
Leanne Read is a multimedia artist who takes apart old pianos to give them a second life. Through a process of careful disassembly, she transforms parts of the piano (keys, hammers, strings) into physical sculptures that honour the history embedded in the instruments. In her most recent work, she has been experimenting with a player piano mechanism. Instead of hearing the hammers strike the keys, she uses the mechanism to trigger sequences of light, turning music into a visual experience while also creating a new sound from the internal parts working together. After earning her Master of Fine Arts, Leanne has continued to push the boundaries of sculptural art. Her work is currently on view at the Remai Modern in Saskatoon.
website: leanneread.com / instagram: leanne_read_
Over The Waves
In this immersive installation, a vintage player piano mechanism is reimagined as a sensory, interactive playground.
Instead of hearing traditional notes, viewers are invited to step up and actively pump the piano’s pedals, bringing the sculpture to life. Pushing the pedals triggers vibrant sequences of light that dance across the space, turning a silent musical roll into a mesmerizing visual performance. Simultaneously, a custom speaker system amplifies the intricate, rhythmic clicks, whirs, and hums of the internal parts working together. It is a stunning, tactile rebirth of a classic instrument that invites you to step inside and become the performer.
