The efforts of the evn collection to be able to present current tendencies in art  both in their diversity and also in the way they deal with new technologies can be clearly felt in the case of Franz Pomassl’s Volume. The artwork that has been created is one that relinquishes visual presence almost entirely and is primarily an audio-tactile experience.

For the 39 meter high AbHDE [heat recovery steam generator] of the EVN Theiß power station near to Krems, Pomassl has realised a permanent sonic space for the first time – only accessible for those interested by special tour. As with all his sound and sense installations, which are often located on the threshold of aural pain, the artist also starts in Theiß from the physical parameters of the concrete space. Sound equipment and generators are discreetly installed, visitors climb from platform to platform crossing one field after another of ultrasonic high tones through to infrasonic bass ones. Pomassl’s investigations becomes audio experiences in which the entire body is a membrane. Music becomes “pure vibration”, perceptible as a quavering boom. The lack of visual impressions is also intended to help neutralise familiar perceptions. The dynamics of the “composition” derive from the process of crossing the sonic space.

Wolfgang Kos, 2005 (translation: Tim Sharp)