Zoë Bell
Sound of the Underground
Te Ātiawa
Sound of the Underground' was performed in the SpaceLab at Pukeahu, Toi Rauwhārangi.
Patterns inspired 'reaction diffusion', a phenomena found at microscopic scales in nature. This symbolises cycles of growth and decay, as well as the burrowing nature of soil beings.
As a project emerging from Aotearoa, a Te Ao Māori worldview acknowledges the sensitivities and complexities of our soils, as well as the indivisible link between oneone ora and tāngata ora.
Soil eco acoustics are intertwined with bold, abstract soil visuals as methods of audio-reactive evolving systems were employed to create the immersive installation.
Master of Design
One teaspoon of soil contains more microorganisms than humans on earth. ’Sound of the Underground’ is an immersive installation revealing the unheard and unseen world of soil life. Evolving from an investigation of soil ecoacoustics (an emerging scientific field with the potential to monitor soil biodiversity through sound recordings) at the Turitea Stream Manawatū, the immersive work harnesses generative design methods to create audio-reactive evolving systems based on the nature of soil life. The soil soundscape was accompanied by Taonga Pūoro (traditional Māori instruments) played by Mumu Moore.
