Thinking Sonic Environments: Soundscapes of Nature, Communities, and Art – works
The two day conference situated in Prostor 39 in Prague, served as a pivotal juncture for delving deep into the intricacies of sonic environments. Stemming from the roots of acoustic ecology and sound studies, the discussions navigated through the vast expanse of contemporary sonic research. Participants engaged in open dialogues aimed at unravelling the complexities and nuances inherent in our auditory surroundings. Through collaborative efforts across various disciplines, attendees embarked on an intellectual journey to dissect the multifaceted layers of our lived sonic environments.
From biological and natural elements to social, cultural, political, and personal dimensions, the conference offered a holistic exploration of the interwoven fabric of soundscapes. It provided a platform for insightful analyses and reflections, shedding light on both the passive immersion and active construction of our sonic world.
Keynote speaker of the conference was Professor Barry Truax from Simon Fraser University in Canada.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
DAY 1
Keynote Speaker: Barry Truax
Truax delved into the complexities of the soundscape, exploring its phenomenological dimensions. By weaving together Schafer’s concept with philosophical insights, he illuminated the anarchical nature of sonic environments, challenging traditional interpretations and paving the way for nuanced discussions on sound's place and politics.
Molly Kelly (Emory University) - The Anarchy of the Soundscape: A Phenomenological Approach
Kelly presented a compelling analysis of Saramago’s "Blindness," uncovering its critique of light and its implicit conception of acoustic intersubjectivity. Through a phenomenological lens, she explored the novel's portrayal of a common auditory reality, reshaping our understanding of intersubjective phenomena and societal dynamics.
Martin Nitsche & Jan Lockenbauer (Grenoble Alpes University/ University of Wuppertal) - Sound, Music, and Speech as Configurations of Lived Space according to Merleau-Ponty
Nitsche and Lockenbauer probed into Merleau-Ponty’s exploration of sound, music, and speech as configurations of lived space. Their analysis illuminated the intricate relationship between the natural and cultural spheres, offering insights into the shaping of acoustic worlds through bodily engagement and cultural practices.
Vojtěch Výravský (Faculty of Humanities) - Forces of Music
Výravský explored the forces of matter through the lens of music, drawing on the philosophical insights of Michal Ajvaz. By examining music as a manifestation of non-conceptual currents of forces, he uncovered a dynamic layer of experiencing the world, challenging conventional notions of significance and meaning in sound.
DAY 1
Keynote Speaker: Barry Truax
Truax delved into the complexities of the soundscape, exploring its phenomenological dimensions. By weaving together Schafer’s concept with philosophical insights, he illuminated the anarchical nature of sonic environments, challenging traditional interpretations and paving the way for nuanced discussions on sound's place and politics.
Molly Kelly (Emory University) - The Anarchy of the Soundscape: A Phenomenological Approach
Kelly presented a compelling analysis of Saramago’s "Blindness," uncovering its critique of light and its implicit conception of acoustic intersubjectivity. Through a phenomenological lens, she explored the novel's portrayal of a common auditory reality, reshaping our understanding of intersubjective phenomena and societal dynamics.
Martin Nitsche & Jan Lockenbauer (Grenoble Alpes University/ University of Wuppertal) - Sound, Music, and Speech as Configurations of Lived Space according to Merleau-Ponty
Nitsche and Lockenbauer probed into Merleau-Ponty’s exploration of sound, music, and speech as configurations of lived space. Their analysis illuminated the intricate relationship between the natural and cultural spheres, offering insights into the shaping of acoustic worlds through bodily engagement and cultural practices.
Vojtěch Výravský (Faculty of Humanities) - Forces of Music
Výravský explored the forces of matter through the lens of music, drawing on the philosophical insights of Michal Ajvaz. By examining music as a manifestation of non-conceptual currents of forces, he uncovered a dynamic layer of experiencing the world, challenging conventional notions of significance and meaning in sound.
DAY 2
Kirsten Stromberg (Syracuse University Florence) -
La Riva: Along The
Stromberg presented her project "La Riva: Along The
," which was developed and exhibited at the Murate Art District in Florence from 2020–2021 and looks into the relational ecology of plants along the Arno River in Florence. Through graphic scores, installations, and performances, she examined the plant "voice" of the Arno, highlighting our co-existence with neglected flora in urban environments and translating drawings into sound.Doc. Dr. Marcus Zagorski, Ph.D. (Comenius University Bratislava/University of Innsbruck) - Planning a SoundMap to Combat Climate Change
Zagorski discusses SoundMapTyrol, a project documenting environmental changes in the Euroregion Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino. Combining landscape ecology and soundscape studies, the project aims to monitor ecological processes and create a record for future generations.
Elia Moretti (Charles University, Faculty of Arts) - Situated sound ecologies in Eastern Slovakia
Moretti researched situated sound ecologies in Eastern Slovakia, analysing an experimental music theatre project's role in perceiving multicultural societies. Through an ecological approach, he examines sound's ability to reveal territorial transformations and challenge modernist paradigms.
Sam Auinger - xxxx_terrain
(Between 2008 and 2012, he led the experimental sound design department at the UdK Berlin, followed by a position at the GSD Harvard from 2013 to 2015. In 2017, he served as a visiting lecturer at MIT. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he advocates for integrating auditory perception into design processes, collaborating with urban planners and architects to emphasize the importance of "thinking with your ears.")
Auinger introduced xxxx_terrain, an exploration of marked "Listening Sites" in Arnhem and its surroundings. Through slowing down and engaging with auditory qualities, participants connect with the diverse landscapes and deepen their sensory experiences.
Csaba Hajnóczy (Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest) - Possible roles of sound ecology in the development strategy of Szigetköz region, Hungary
Hajnóczy discussed the role of sound ecology in the development strategy of Hungary's Szigetköz region. By analysing the region's soundscape and proposing research and action lines, he highlighted sound's potential as a tool for monitoring ecological processes and inspiring site-specific artistic works.
Sławomir Wieczorek (University of Wrocław) - Field Recordings in the Holocaust Memorial Sites
Wieczorek investigated the use of field recordings in Holocaust memorial sites, examining various sound projects' origins, intentions, and reception. By studying sound's role in memory construction, he sheds light on its significance in commemorating historical events.
Hannah L. M. Eßler and Jim Igor Kallenberg - Siren’s call for Revolution. Sonic Memory and Transformative Experience in the “Symphony of Sirens.”
Eßler and Kallenberg delved into the transformative power of Arsenij Avraamov’s "Symphony of Sirens," examining how it commemorates the October Revolution through immersive sonic experiences.
Renata Tańczuk (University of Wroclaw) - The soundscape of the Second World War Museum in Gdansk as an apparatus for remembering
Tańczuk analysed the soundscape of the Second World War Museum in Gdansk, focusing on its role as a memory apparatus and its construction of visitors' affective experiences
József Iszlai (researcher, music arts Budapest) - Sonic Assault of Waco, 1993
Iszlai dissected the sonic assault tactics employed during the 1993 Waco siege, discussing the FBI's use of artificial sound barriers to disrupt the religious sect led by David Koresh.
Vít Pokorný
Ivan Gutierrez