Author: mari

This project centers on the creation of an interactive sound sculpture that integrates a spatial audio setup. It is part of an ongoing exploration into interdisciplinary art practices that fuse space, sound, listening, and archeoacoustics. By employing an empirical art research method, the outcomes of this investigation are materialized through the development of this and similar projects. This work embodies a practice-based, interdisciplinary approach. Instruments and their environments are approached as catalysts for a deeper understanding of our surroundings and our relationship to them. Listening becomes the connective tissue that binds these concepts together. Through this process, I have come to recognize the necessity of treating these disciplines as a cohesive whole. While the media form an integral part of the designed acoustic space, sound remains a pivotal element in the creative decision-making process. The use of sound enhances the potential interplay between multimedia and listening, leading to new ways of theorizing how knowledge can be generated through sound and auditory experiences. At Spaeslab, the focus is on developing a 3D spatial extension of this sound sculpture, grounded in the principles of archeoacoustics—the study of sound in ancient structures and its role in cultural and ceremonial contexts. Although the field of archeoacoustics is still in its nascent stages, with no universally established methods for recreating the acoustics of historical spaces, this project aims to delve into this uncharted territory. The exploration includes the implementation of a multichannel speaker system, for which expert guidance is sought to bring this vision to fruition.

Research project “Resonant Artifacts” with spatial designer Iris van der Wal.

Resonant Artifacts explores the potential of applying concepts from archaeoacoustics with contemporary analog techniques to create acoustical designs for objects. Inspired by findings such as the resonant metal vessels in Greek theaters, acoustic pots in French chapels, and acoustic mirrors in the UK, we examined how past cultures used acoustics to shape their environments for the human voice. Previously in my practice I have composed on multichannel speaker systems to create unique acoustics however, in this research collaboration with Iris, we were able to take a more physical and analog approach to acoustics. Through extensive material research and physical experimentation we developed resonant objects using experimental materials that produce distinct acoustic phenomena.

As a finale we created a sonic playground with the Rotterdam Singing Club, providing an ear-bending fun experience, perfectly concluding our theoretical research.

Supported by the Creative Industries Fund NL – Experiment Grant, OMI gallery Rotterdam, and Het Wilde Weten Rotterdam.