Max Neuhaus

1966
Max-Feed, 1966

"Max Neuhaus’s artwork Max-Feed (1966) was intended to be mass-produced and sold inexpensively in grocery stores. As an electronic device that creates feedback through a radio in its proximity, anyone could own the artwork and turn a room in their home into a sound installation. Neuhaus coined the term sound installation, and I share his belief that the omnipresence of sound, and its relation to public engagement, holds the potential for agency and democracy through participation." —Camille Norment, 2017


P1000453.jpg – Archive Estate Max Neuhaus

Max Neuhaus decided to produce some 500 battery-charged Max-Feed boxes (1966) equipped with soldered electronic components and small speakers that functioned as scores and instruments.

Anyone could use these boxes to perform a feedback piece simply by using a radio. The lettering on the lid instructed the user to remove the inner from the outer box, place them in front of a radio or a tuner, then drape the blue and white wires over the radio turned on, and with the inner box also on, “find the place on the radio dial where it picks up the max feed sounds.” The feedback sounds could be further readjusted with tuning screws on the inner box. This project became one of several realized that year through which Neuhaus began blending his musicianship with audience participation and a broader art context.

Max Neuhaus, Max-Feed Works:

American Can, Central Park, New York 

American Can, Park, Staten Island, New York 

American Can, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York  

By-Product, Something Else Press, New York  

By-Product, Park Place Gallery, New York  By-Product, Town Hall, New York 

As You Please