MEANING FROM NOISE
FOLD is situated in an area abundant in acoustic diversity, where the hum of heavy machinery, the rumble of trains, car horns, and the chirps of birds come together to form a unique soundscape. Typically overlooked as just background noise, it is precisely these sounds, with their inherent ambiguity, that fuel the inspiration for the dynamic visual elements of this installation.
MEANING FROM NOISE - CREATIVE PROCESS
Creating situated experiences is about negotiating previous ideas with real-time discovery. In this process, the space, with its visual and auditory features, emerges as a collaborative force, reshaping and influencing initial visions.
An external microphone captured sounds around the venue, which were then fed live into FOLD's amazing sound system. This same audio signal drove the audio-reactive visuals and the DMX lighting system.
The wired metal meshes, signature elements of the nightclub, were incorporated into the installation and transformed into a multi-dimensional composition.
MEANING FROM NOISE - SEAGULLS TRAINS
An active listening session around FOLD exposed similarities between the screeching sound of the passing train and the seagulls' calls. The high frequencies of both sounds become surprisingly similar at certain moments. EQs (audio filters) and dynamic visuals augment this ambiguity.
MEANING FROM NOISE - BIRD CALL
A complex bird call often goes unnoticed, labeled as background noise amid the multitude of everyday sounds.
MEANING FROM NOISE - DIGITAL TRANSLATIONS
Electricity, Birds, Motorbike
Realtime audio reactive visuals developed in @touchdesigner using the Nvidia Flex tool.
The visuals function as 'behaviours,' translating the ambiguous sounds around the venue into possible meanings and narratives. Here's an edit play with the speed of sound and image.
The dynamics of flocking
Sounds of trains around @fold.ldn are translated into visual representations of a flock of birds, highlighting the inherent ambiguity of the sounds around us.
I used basic EQ adjustments to isolate these frequencies, revealing their likeness while also evoking an underwater ambiance—similar to the seagulls' natural habitat by the sea.
Thanks to the @fold.ldn fam and the @unfold.ldn community
a space genuinely committed to artists pushing the boundaries of human perception.
HUGE thanks to @karolina_magm2 for making it happen!
Special thanks for all the help:
@voicedrone @jamesnewmarch @vianna.marcelo @patriciadoors @helenaluko
@conniejharrison @tashajuliet @adestructa
Images and sounds: bevarela
Additional images: Marcelo Vianna, Patricia Doors.
**All sounds captured on-site**