On July 2, 2000, P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center opened an exhibit titled Volume: Bed of Sound, an encompassing exhibition of sound works in an unusual setting. Sound art was presented in two sections. Works by approximately 60 sound artists were experienced through headphones while lying on New York’s largest futon bed. In an adjacent space, sound was experienced collectively through loud speakers for casual or prolonged listening.

Volume explored the roots of sound discovery. Comprised of audio-pieces on compact disc, the indoor exhibition combined essential historical works such as the sound effects tracks from Apocalypse Now! by Oscar-award-winning sound designer Walter Murch and a compilation of excerpts from sound pieces by Vito Acconci along with audio works by contemporary artists addressing the current trend of 'sound art'.

Among the artists who contributed to the project were Muhal Richard Abrams, Vito Acconci, Maryanne Amacher, Laurie Anderson, David Behrman, Ed Campion/Andrew Ginzel/Kristin Jones, John Cale, Joel Chadabe, Chop Shop, Chris & Cosey, Cibo Matto, Beth Coleman, Nicolas Collins, Tony Conrad, ÁCubanismo!, Alvin Curran, Chris Cutler, Tod Dockstader, John Duncan, Fischerspooner, Yamataka Eye, Ellen Fullman, Matt Heckert, John Hudak, I-Sound, Phil Kline, Keenan Lawler, Arto Lindsay, Alvin Lucier, Paul de Marinis, Kaffe Matthews, Genken Montgomery, Ikue Mori, Impossible Music, Butch Morris, Walter Murch, Phill Niblock, Carsten Nicolai/Noto, Genesis P-Orridge, Bob Ostertag, John Oswald, Pansonic, Zeena Parkins, Daniel Pflumm, Lou Reed, Vernon Reid, The Residents, Frank Rothkamm, Ben Rubin, Adriana Sˆ, Michael Schumacher, Howard Shore/Ornette Coleman/LPO, Sonic Youth, Steinski, Carl Stone, Telectu, Frances-Marie Uitti, Carl Michael Von Hausswolff, London Wainwright, and Lauren Weinger.

Unfortunately, the exhibit is long gone, as is the giant bed. But that doesn't mean you can't put on some headphones and listen while relaxing in your own normal-sized bed.

• Listen to selections from the exhibit
• Learn about PS1, where the exhibit originated

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