Large Mourning Sculpture Comes To MA With Hope Of Pandemic End

NORTH ADAMS, MA — A massive concrete sculpture conceived as an "instrument for a cacophony of global mourning" is coming to Massachusetts next month, coinciding with a spring when coronavirus vaccines are bringing hope of an end to the pandemic.

"The Pipes" by sculptor Taryn Simon and architect Shohei Shigematsu was created in 2016 as an indoor installation in New York City. Originally, professional mourners from cultures around the world used the concrete structures to amplify their mourning rituals.

The 11 structures will be available to the public in May at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) campus in North Adams. Visitors will be able to use the sculpture to mourn, sing or just admire, according to the museum.

"The Pipes will be installed outdoors, where it will generate a sonic community over time," the museum said in a news release. "Resonating with MASS MoCA’s commitment to contemporary
visual and performing art, this reimagining of The Pipes will offer a space for visitors to quietly
contemplate or to fill with the sounds of their own instruments, vocals, and accidental and
intentional performances."

Although not described as a response to coronavirus, the sculpture will come to Massachusetts as new vaccines and warm weather offer a possible end to a pandemic that has so far killed more than 17,000 residents and sickened more than 600,000. The state has been distributing vaccines to eligible groups since January, but anyone in the state over age 16 will be eligible beginning April 19.

"The Pipes" will be on long-term display at MASS MoCA, 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, beginning May 29.