I discovered a few sound artists which helped me to understand a topic of noise pollution in the ocean:
1) Jana Winderen
“Hopefully I will leave less stuff on the planet when I leave”. She talks about bringing the experience, instead of owning objects. The sounds are stressing us on a subconscious level. The sounds are poured into the water as well without knowing.
Storytelling, layers, sections, travels.
First layer: describes larger areas with lower frequency and greater scope,
Another layer: going a bit closer
Third layer: focuses on deatails
Experience of swimming and being inside the water
Her research question stands: How does the composition of multichannel audio installations contribute to raising awareness of underwater noise pollution? What are the impacts on individuals experiencing these immersive sonic environments?
If humans beings are incensed by the cacophony of construction, lawn work and traffic, why would we suspect sea creatures to be any different?
In her work “The art of listening: under water”, Winderen used sounds recorded in Atlantic Ocean, as well as from the Barents Sea and the Tropical Oceans.
https://janawinderen.bandcamp.com/album/the-blue-beyond
2) Manja Ristić – violinist, sound artist, curator and researcher
In her opinion the noise pollution is the tip of the iceberg of the Anthropocene. The effect of underwater noise pollution is not only causing long-term damage to marine life, but to humans as well.
“If the frequency pattern of the noise is overlapping with the particular frequency range in which a certain species are communicating, they simply are not capable of finding each other anymore. They become vulnerable, unprotected, and with significantly less chance to breed. If the frequency pattern of the noise is overlapping with the hearing range that enables them to use biosonar, they get lost or disorientated, unable to avoid solid obstacles and follow the group they belong to. The noise is literally blinding them. If the frequency pattern of the noise is overlapping with their inherited “database” of sound-detecting predators they are constantly moving away from the potential danger, prioritising being safe over feeding.”
3) Leah Barclay – sound artist, interdisciplinary researcher (in field of sound, science and technology).
Joined the “Ocean Listening” research project, where she explored creative ways to use underwater sounds to highlight and bring the awareness of ocean health. The project looks at how sound can engage people and increase understanding of the importance of oceans.
References:
1. https://acloserlisten.com/2023/07/21/jana-winderen-the-blue-beyond/
2. https://15questions.net/interview/fifteen-questions-interview-manja-ristic/page-1/
3. https://leahbarclay.com/
4. https://oceans21.org/en/projects/seaphony/
