Interactive Mural Opening

Date: Thursday August 17th
Time: 4-7pm, remarks at 6pm
Location: National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum
1701 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

We are delighted to announce the unveiling of our 2023 Interactive Mural, PAHTIA at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Thursday August 17th from 4-7pm.

PAHTIA is an interactive site-specific mural that creates shifting soundscapes in response to touch. This work was created by asking the question: How can we create spaces for community and individual healing? How does the activation of a space contribute to healing? This piece references ancient healing practices which utilize sound frequencies to activate healing responses within the body and mind. The design elements used in this work were inspired by Meso-American and precolonial design referencing Aztec, Mayan and Anasazi architectural elements. Many Aztec, Mayan and Anasazi structures were built to act as public amplifiers, resonating with the frequencies of music and chants used in ceremonies. Our piece is in dialogue with the Meso-American architectural elements used and referenced in the design of the Hispanic Cultural Center by architect Sofia Marquez.

Interactive murals are constructed from a combination of conductive paints and inks, conductive tapes, custom hardware, and traditional paint. We are also developing educational activities to introduce electronics and computing through the collaborative design and construction of interactive murals.

PAHTIA, a 9′ x 44′ mural, was designed and built in the summer of 2023 by Hand and Machine PhD student Alyshia Bustos, Nani Chacon, and a group of middle and high-school students. It is installed at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s art museum.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2006524.