Drawing Sound: From 20th-Century Experiments to L’UPIC Ludique

This paper examines 20th-century instruments that translate visual forms into sound, focusing on Daphne Oram, Iannis Xenakis, and Fernando von Reichenbach. Emerging from diverse socio-cultural contexts, these devices offer alternative art–technology configurations that challenge dominant computational paradigms. By analysing their artistic intent and technical innovation, the study positions them as speculative tools for rethinking human–machine relations and generating new technological paradigms. Extending this lineage, the author’s practice—L’UPIC Ludique—reimagines Xenakis’ UPIC as a tactile, playful instrument for children, emphasising drawing-based interaction, haptic engagement, and accessible musical creativity. Demonstrated at NIME 2024 and Rogue Open Studio 2025, the project shows how revisiting historical technologies can reconnect users with the magical, playful qualities of early drawn-sound instruments. The paper highlights the need for public investment in collaborative spaces where artistic experimentation can shape technology, reflecting Yuk Hui’s vision of art as a catalyst for epistemic transformation.