Revolutionizing Music: The P'iolin by Yi-Jen Hsieh

Exploring the Boundaries of Material Use in Musical Instruments

Yi-Jen Hsieh's P'iolin is a testament to the versatility of paper as a sustainable material. Inspired by the boundary that paper represents between nature and artificiality, Hsieh embarked on a journey to experiment with this material, creating a musical instrument that deviates from the traditional wooden structure.

The P'iolin is crafted from three types of French watercolor paper. The design methodology is based on the techniques of the legendary violin maker Stradivarius, ensuring acoustic precision. Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) is used to support the paper structure, keeping the fibres firm and stable. After polishing, the surface is treated with Nitrocellulose Lacquer (NC lacquer), which permeates into the tiny gaps of paper to modify its surface.

The realization of the P'iolin involved a meticulous process. The basic mould was first created in Pro/Engineer, following the model of Stradivarius. These moulds were then produced using laser cutting and CNC with waterproof plastic. The moist papers were pasted on the moulds with PVA and shaped under appropriate environmental conditions. Once the moisture completely dried out, the body was carefully released and the parts were assembled and modified with other carpentry steps.

The P'iolin is not just a musical instrument; it is a work of art that interacts with performers and leaves audiences in awe with its beauty. Its timbre and artistic value are expected to enhance over time. The project, which began in March 2011, was completed in Taiwan in December 2014.

Creating a musical instrument as convincing in performance as a regular wood-made violin was a significant challenge. Despite the environmental friendliness of the P'iolin, there is room for improvement in the manufacturing process. Mastering and enhancing manufacturing details, such as the brittleness and density of paper, are essential to the success of the P'iolin.

The P'iolin was recognized for its innovative design and was awarded the Golden A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2015. This award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. The P'iolin certainly embodies these characteristics, revolutionizing the way we perceive musical instruments and their construction.