Loud Silence | Chiara Banfi

The Mohs scale measures the density of rock -- from the fragile chalk, which is 0 to sturdy diamonds, which are the top of the scale, at 10. For this work, Banfi used the most common mineral -- quartz. It is present in the Sahara desert as well as in Brazilian riverbeds. Quartz registers 7 on the Mohs scale. For the work, Banfi represents the Mohs scale using gradations of lighter to darker quartz. The artist has been interested in quartz not only for its visual qualities, but also because it is used in LP players to equalize the needle. “I see beauty in the fact that there is something organic in an electronic device,” she says. The way she sets the rocks on shelves also makes reference to both record shelves and to a musical score, creating rhythm and pauses that make a visual melody.