PRIMAL SONIC VISIONS

Opening at Ca' Foscari University of Venice on May 26th within the framework of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, PRIMAL SONIC VISIONS is an exhibition of high-definition multimedia artworks by the renowned American sound artist Bill Fontana commissioned by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Exploring the major systems of renewable energy production in various parts of the world, it seeks to arouse a sense of wonder in the public at the sheer power of the energy generated by wind, solar, water and geothermal sources.

TUSCANY

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Note: Clicking on each image will allow you to view each immersive video in a new window.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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ICELAND

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PORTUGAL

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PRIMAL SONIC VISIONS aims to awaken a sense of astonishment amongst the public by the primal power and beauty of wind, solar, hydro and geothermal energy sources. As people enter the space, they are met with an emotional experience that at first instills a sense of wonder, and later transforms into a deep reflection of the potential and power of these energy sources to be used in securing a future for our planet. This work comes at a particularly crucial point in time as the negative effects of climate change are becoming evident. This work is a unique collaboration between the artist and IRENA in a daring attempt to gather the public’s insight and awaken a global emotional reaction to the environment. The exhibition will also include a live media artwork with the new flood barrier system for Venice, MOSE.

ENGLAND

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AUSTRIA

CALIFORNIA

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VENICE - FLOATING ECHOES

I intend to transform MOSE, Venice’s flood barrier system into a living work of media art by exploring and showcasing the system’s auditory and visual properties through sound and video installation. The project intends to reflect on the city's attempt, through technology, to curb the rising waters surrounding Venice. The project will be realized in conjunction with the exhibition PRIMAL SONIC VISIONS.

FLOATING ECHOES will be my latest attempt to blend science, technology and art together by turning MOSE into a living artwork. It is also the first time I will create a project with a flood barrier system. MOSE represents humankind’s attempt through technology to hold back the rising waters surrounding Venice and the lagoon. In essence, the €5.4 billion project is aimed at fighting the laws of nature. The MOSE project’s mission falls in line with previous attempts by the city to intervene in the activity of the lagoon, protecting the city and its people against natural threats. The project has deep cultural and historical significance. Ancient Venetians previously built expansive sea walls and diverted two major rivers. Venice is one of Europe’s most important cultural capitals and compromises 124 island settlements dating back to the 7th century.

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The MOSE flood barrier system is a tremendous floating structure containing a whole universe of hidden vibrations of water that moves through the structure's resonances. I intend to install a network of accelerometers and hydrophones into the system that will pick up, in detail, the secret musical life of the MOSE. Some of these recordings will be live, and the project will culminate into a real-time sound sculpture installed at the exhibition site. I will also the visual nature of the system by installing live cameras that gaze closely at the MOSE’s interaction with the movement of water.