Leo Villareal, Scramble, 2011, Light-emitting diodes, Mac mini, custom software, circuitry, wood, plexiglass, 60 x 60 in.The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. The Dreier Fund for Acquisitions, 2012. Photo: Joshua Navarro
Villareal, who likes to listen to electronic music mixed by his friends and who was included in the Visual Music show at the Hirshhorn Museum in 2005, sees a strong analogy between his work and music.
Artnews, June 2009
Upon seeing Scramble, I began to think about what electronic music might serve as a kind of soundtrack for the visual sequence of the piece. The patterns of light start to create a sensation of traveling without moving the longer you look at them. It’s hypnotic without getting monotonous. So I selected music that has a twilight effect, that is soothing rather than sleepy. The eight tracks compliment Scramble individually as well as working together as a unit. My intent was to have music that would enhance the viewing experience and would work when listened to through headphones.
Jeff Whitelow, Museum Assistant