Decipher | Mike Hansen Artist

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Decipher, -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. . (An in situ sound installation)
Decipher is the first of a series of in situ sound installations, that is using my studio building in this instance, to discuss issues using international languages that avoid utterance.
The in situ sound installation, Decipher, -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. . ,uses the language of Morse code, a non-verbal language to transmit short messages, to audibly examine the history of the building where it is installed. This iteration of the installation examines the history of my studio building 269 Lottridge St., Hamilton, Canada
Morse code is the forerunner to email, texts and other near-instant messaging mediums. Morse Code was used as a non-verbal international language until 2000. The alphabet and number systems are replaced with sequence of dots and dashes. These are transmitted with a telegraph machine, by tapping sounds that are a sequence of dits and dahs.
Decipher, -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. , is installed at my century old studio building in Hamilton, popularly referred to as ‘Steeltown’. My building has a notorious history, once a staple of a community that no longer exists. Hamilton’s north Lottridge Street was an enclave for steel workers until demolished except for 269 Lottridge St.
Here is a brief history:
The building at 269 Lottridge St. was originally a family home that evolved into a neighbourhood family operated grocery store, later becoming a diner that fed the community. In the 90’s the building became the clubhouse for the Satan’s Choice Motorcycle Club then the Hell’s Angels moved here.
Up until 2009, the building has become one of the most feared locations in Hamilton. The stories of the Angels residency on the corner have been both outrageous and at times fearful. The Angel’s were forced out of the building during a dramatic police raid on the building where a wall was blown out by explosives. A number of years later the building became a Italian cafe and before becoming my studio it was a bordello disguised as a beauty salon.
Decipher examines the rumors, history, stories and fear associated with the building it is installed. This work translates simple sentences, into the international language of Morse code, about this building and what it now stands for such as:
This building is notorious
- .... .. ... / -... ..- .. .-.. -.. .. -. --. / .. ... / -. --- - --- .-. .. --- ..- ...
Art belongs here
.- .-. - / -... . .-.. --- -. --. ... / .... . .-. .
Decipher, -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. is open most days from 10am-6pm
On Lottridge St. at the corner of Biggar Ave., Hamilton, ON, Canada.

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Decipher, -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. . (An in situ sound installation) installation view

Decipher, -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. . (An in situ sound installation) detail

Decipher, -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. . (An in situ sound installation) detail

Decipher, -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. .
(An in situ sound installation)

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