Multimodality in Audiovisual Art

This article discusses aspects of multimodality raised in connection with audiovisual art, with reference to works by visual artist Merja Nieminen and sound artist James Andean, with a primary focus on the installation ‘Re:**** Sitruuna ja meduusa’. The work and its methods are described, with a particular emphasis on relationships between sound and visuals, including key parameters, interaction, and a number of early attempts to balance sonic and visual elements. The extension of the themes and methods of ‘Re:**** Sitruuna ja meduusa’ in a later collaboration, ‘Cleome/Gliese 902’, is discussed, as well as the relative importance and implication of the real-time aspect of these installations.