Seismic Pulse

Seismic Pulse illustrates an invisible natural phenomenon through art and invites the viewer to imagine their own explanations for it.

The Earth's crust trembles every 26 seconds. This regular and distinct "pulse" has been localized to the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Africa. The tremor is minor, but its mysterious cause raises questions: is the pulse the Earth's breath, heartbeat, mechanical hum, or the realignment of its spine?

Paloniemi was also intrigued by the idea of the Earth's sound. He sketched concepts and recorded sounds from radio transmissions around the world: noise and hums, encrypted number stations, distant broadcasts, and Morse code. Paloniemi explored what the Earth's sound might be and how it resonates. These sounds are heard in the artwork alongside chords representing Earth's harmony. 

Paloniemi's signature laser light emphasizes the phenomenon and illustrates its geological and cosmic scale.

The Kaivopuisto tunnel and railway trench were chosen as the artwork's location because they bring one closer to the Earth's core, tectonic plates, and magma. The direction of observation is straight down, beneath one's feet.

Exhibited in Lux Helsinki 2025