Sounding Off

The world’s first sound artist was an Italian futurist, Luigi Russola. In his 1913 manifesto, The Art of Noises, he established six categories of sounds, from roars and explosions to shouts and “death rattles.” Russola believed that the Industrial Revolution rendered melodies irrelevant; modern man would seek out dissonant sounds. He invented his own instrument — the Intonarumori — and formed a noise orchestra: The first public performance, in 1917, moved an audience to violence. A little more than 70 years later, whether they know it or not, artists will be channeling Russola at the 18 Rabbit Gallery (500 NW First Ave., Fort Lauderdale), where the exhibit “Sound Art” is showcasing — or broadcasting, rather — dozens of submitted works that either employ or represent noise and the human relationship to it. The exhibit runs till February 26. Admission is free. Call 954- 826-3113, or visit 18rabbitgallery.com.
Sat., Jan. 29, 7 p.m.; Wednesdays-Saturdays. Starts: Jan. 29. Continues through Feb. 26, 2011