As a first task before starting to sketch and prototype my projects, I think that it would be interesting to find some pictures and other media of my reference artworks so I can get some inspiration. My main project will be an interactive sound installation that will have as a goal to show us the relationships between nature and technology, and how one can complement the other. In the technical aspect, I will be using code to create sound and visuals, and the viewer will be able to interact with the installation through ultrasonic sensors and other devices that will integrate plants as playable devices in the setup.
As I mentioned in a previous post, Rainforest is one of the main references for this work, it is an iconic artwork in Sound Arts history itself as well as interactive art. I also love the metaphorical meaning of it, because despite of being called “Rainforest” there aren’t any trees or plants and it didn’t even sound like a jungle. These are the kind of concepts that I’d like to unveil; why do we tend to associate nature to technology in some way?
Another installation that really inspired me back in 2022 also for its incredible nature and technology combination was Heather Phillipson: Rupture No.1: blowtorching the bitten peach at Tate Britain. This site-specific artwork recreated a whole ecosystem experience featuring dozens of speakers with forest-like field recordings and screens with images of animals.
I really love the lighting and the flat screens and I will take some inspiration from this artwork to display some CGI on my installation that will react to the movement of the gallery visitors, and I also like the idea of the speakers with a soundscape to create that immersive feel.
Biophilic Design
In terms of sculptural and architectural concepts I would like to have as a reference this exotic style of design that tends to merge organic elements such as plants, trees or water within building decorations or artworks.
A great example of this design in building industry can be found in the city of Singapore, where their skyscrapers and airport coexist with a vast amount of natural life. These are good models in which nature and the latest technology are implemented perfectly and I would like to bring these techniques and concepts for my first portfolio project.
For my second project I will create something in the form of a video, which is one of my preferred formats when I document my practice. This will be a video essay about about the healing properties of ambient music as a mindfulness practice, mindfulness is a meditation technique with a background in Hindu and Buddhist traditions which consists in focusing in the events happening in present moment.
When thinking about meditation and sonic practice the first name to come into mind is Pauline Oliveros and her Sonic Meditations, it is also well known that John Cage was also interested in yoga, meditation and Zen Buddhism, and seem like a recurrent theme within ambient and experimental musicians.
The use of Asian religious techniques and instruments is very present in these kind of practices, especially singing bowls and gongs, being widely used at sound baths, a contemporary ritual for sound healing. Sonic artists like the spiritual leader and content creator Ana Netanel, are truly masters on the field. She organises the Shakti Sound Baths in L.A, California and her videos are a really good example of sound healing practices.