Let's be honest, walking into the Mr. Brainwash Museum is a sensory explosion. It's a place where the rules of artistic convention get playfully smashed, a vibrant, chaotic celebration of creativity. Knowing the museum's founder, Thierry Guetta, aka Mr. Brainwash, is the subject of the fascinating documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop," and has close ties to street art legend Banksy, adds another layer of intrigue. So, when I got the call to tune their Steinway Duo-Art, I knew it wouldn't be my typical gig.
This wasn't just any piano; it was a time capsule, a self-playing marvel capable of resurrecting performances from the golden age of pianists. Imagine the ghosts of musical legends residing within those ivory keys! The Duo-Art system, with its intricate network of pneumatic tubes and precisely calibrated mechanisms, is a testament to the ingenuity of a bygone era.
My mission was to bring this mechanical maestro back into tune, to ensure its voice remained clear and resonant amidst the museum's energetic buzz. It was a fascinating juxtaposition: the meticulous, almost meditative process of piano tuning against the backdrop of Mr. Brainwash's bold, unapologetic art.
Each string, each hammer, required careful attention. I found myself lost in the delicate dance of adjustments, striving to achieve perfect harmony. It's a strange feeling, being so focused on such fine details while surrounded by such large, vibrant art.
Knowing that this Steinway is an interactive piece, ready for visitors to engage with, made the task even more meaningful. I worked meticulously, imagining the future moments when guests would activate the Duo-Art rolls and watch in amazement as the keys moved on their own, bringing those vintage performances to life.
I may not have witnessed the visitor's reactions firsthand, as I was tuning during closed hours, but the thought of the wonder and delight it would bring was incredibly rewarding. It wasn't just about restoring the instrument's sound; it was about preparing it for a unique, shared experience. It was like bridging two worlds: the precision of classical music and the raw, unrestrained energy of pop art, ready to be activated.
To further enhance this interactive experience, a playful sign sits proudly atop the Steinway, beckoning visitors with the simple words, "Play Me." This subtle invitation encourages visitors to step closer, activate the Duo-Art rolls, and become active participants in the museum's artistic narrative.
The "Play Me" sign, designed to catch the eye, perhaps incorporating Mr. Brainwash's signature style or using bold typography, adds a touch of whimsy. It also serves as a silent invitation to explore the historical significance of the Duo-Art technology, adding an educational dimension to the interactive experience.
By incorporating this simple yet effective element, the Mr. Brainwash Museum can transform the Steinway Duo-Art into a true centerpiece, inviting visitors to not only appreciate the instrument's beauty and historical significance, but also to actively engage with its musical legacy.
Tuning that Steinway wasn't just a job; it was an experience. It was a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, the power of music can transcend time and space, ready to find its voice in the heart of a vibrant artistic whirlwind. And, it was really cool to tell my friends I tuned a ghost piano at the Mr Brainwash museum, ready for guests to play, complete with a "Play Me" sign on top.
