About the sound
Technological developments since the 1990s and the outdated nature of the Braille type format led to a new presentation of the letter B within The Blind Alphabet, with the added benefit of enhanced accessibility for the visually challenged through new processes of digitisation of the artwork and music accompanying each of the forty sculptures, composed by Jaco Meyer. The research component of Meyer’s MMus degree at the North-West University dealt with the principles of orchestration through the lens of musical forces. This research was conducted in more depth when he completed his PhD in Musicology and Music Analysis as he expanded the theory of musical forces by using analyses of the music by the Belgian composer Wim Henderickx.
In addition, voice-overs by Louise van Wingerden explain the rationale behind each work. The visually impaired can access the works through a strategically placed QR code and listen to the text and Meyer’s sounds on earphones.
All the sound files will be hosted in URL link format on both the UJ Art Gallery and MTN websites.
About the application
An application, developed by Marco Bester, enables both visually impaired and visually-abled visitors to download the app by scanning a 3D QR code. Once the app is downloaded to a phone, the viewer will be able to scan individual QR codes that are on the caskets of the artworks. The icon, in the form of the Braille letter B can be found on Google Play, Playstore and Huawei Store and can be downloaded on both Android and Apple devices
Visually impaired individuals, through the intervention of Blind SA, formed part of a sampling and testing process to ensure the feasibility and practical use of the application and QR codes.
