In the mesmerizing creation titled “The Third Octave,” artist Maskull Lasserre boldly amalgamates the worlds of sculpture and music by ingeniously fusing two pianos into a single, surreal masterpiece. The transformative process involves the meticulous carving of a remarkably lifelike octopus, whose tentacles intertwine the dissected pianos, bridging the gap between the two instruments. Lasserre’s artistic daring is evident as he invests approximately 2,000 hours into the project, embracing the uncertainty of the outcome with no predefined manual or established approach. His background as a former violinist contributes to the analogy of crafting the sculpture as akin to improvising a musical recital, highlighting the real-time decision-making inherent in the intricate carving process.
The intricacy of the sculpture becomes apparent upon closer inspection, as each piano undergoes careful dissection, revealing strings and hammers that spill forth in a visually captivating display. Lasserre’s seamless integration of the two pianos creates an optical illusion, presenting the amalgamated instrument as a singular, elongated piano. Acknowledging the potential unease among music enthusiasts regarding the transformation of these revered instruments, Lasserre acknowledges the necessity of pushing his artistic boundaries to elevate the pianos into something entirely new and unexpected. The artist aims to transcend the conventional auditory appreciation of musical instruments, inviting viewers to explore a different currency of value — one rooted in thought, visual intricacy, and the symbolic resonance between the mechanics of the piano and the anatomy of the octopus.
In reflecting on the process, Lasserre emphasizes the transposition of a musical instrument into a sculptural object, recognizing the sacrifice of the pianos’ expected sonic potentials for the creation of an artwork that captivates through its intellectual and visual richness. The sculpture becomes a harmonious fusion of art and music, encapsulating the beauty of both the instrument’s mechanisms and the intricate anatomy of the octopus. “The Third Octave” stands as a testament to Lasserre’s innovative spirit, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and challenging preconceived notions about the transformative power of sculpture in relation to cherished musical instruments.
