Fake Noise, True Image

From October, the Pasinger Fabrik will be home to some rather peculiar musical machines. These are the electromechanical sound artworks by the Munich-based artist duo Portmanteau. Lovingly crafted from old, found or recycled materials, these sculptures are musical, humorous and whimsical.

You’re allowed – indeed, you’re even encouraged – to have a go yourself: Sittichquirl, Alpinium, Strippenzieher and Singvase are the names of the crazy automata just waiting to be discovered. Pop a coin in and you’ll make chairs tap their feet, set off the sound of a flock of sheep, let the ‘Singvase’ perform its modern version of the sale of indulgences, or be insulted by the ‘Grobian’ at the touch of a button. Art for the eyes, ears and funny bone.

Behind Portmanteau are two minds: Gerald ‘Greulix’ Schrank and Christian ‘Taison’ Heiß. For over twenty years, they have been a duo, a band, recording studio operators and technical tinkerers. The *Süddeutsche Zeitung* once called them “the Tinguelys of the theatre”.

Last edited on 05.10.2026