A collaborative work, Seat of Sound joins the artistic talents of composer Daniel Goode and Sculptor Robert Cooke. This multi-sensory sculpture was specially designed to be both visually pleasing and playable as a percussion instrument. Iron, brass, aluminum, and wood components are arranged into a system of gongs inspired by the gemalen, the traditional music of Bali and Java in Indonesia. In their unique approach to sculptural form and function, these artists have worked together on other similar projects, including one that received a New Jersey State Arts Council award. Born in Pennsylvania and now living in New Jersey, Robert Cooke earned an undergraduate degree from the Newark State College and an MFA with a concentration in ceramics and sculpture from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Michigan. He was an associate professor at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University for almost thirty years and he had conducted numerous workshops, lectures, and special projects off campus as well, including one on cast iron techniques. In New Jersey, he is represented in public collections at the New Jersey State Museum, and other fine art institutions. The study of dreams, Zen Buddhism, and alchemy are among Cooke’s varied interests. Works by Robert Cooke currently on view in the sculpture park:
Robert Cooke
Daniel Goode
Seat of Sound, 2000
white oak, teak, aluminum, brass, iron
132” x 142” x 138”
Courtesy of the Artists |
