Award-winning artists unveil innovative sound installation to transport audiences under the seas
A sonic sea level which immerses audiences beneath the ocean waves – without getting wet – will be unveiled at the launch of a major new cultural festival celebrating the River Tamar.
Fathom, a new sonic artwork by Plymouth University media arts specialists Jane Grant and John Matthias, will use cutting edge technology to create this artificial surface 6ft above the floor of a 17th century Royal Navy victualing yard.
The equipment, supplied by leading loud speaker technology company Martin Audio, will transmit a combination of live and recorded sounds, enabling visitors to walk around and hear the sounds below the surface of the estuary. They will also be able to lift their heads above the Fathom to hear the sounds above the water.
This commission will be the centrepiece of a public event to launch It’s All About the River, a year-long project to celebrate the historical, cultural and industrial importance of the River Tamar, which forms the border between Devon and Cornwall.
Artist Jane Grant and musician and composer John Matthias, who won the PRS Foundation’s New Music Award in 2008 for their celebrated work, The Fragmented Orchestra, said: “Fathom will create an immersive sonic experience where the volume of one material, water, meets another, air. The changeability of the interaction of these two materials will bring together the atmospheric and the submarine, lived human spaces, temporal and ethereal.”
Andy Davies, from Martin Audio, added: “Martin Audio design and build award winning sound systems for live events and installers. With our advanced multi-cellular systems we have introduced a new way of controlling large scale sound systems. With a desire to push the boundaries and advance the art and science of sound reinforcement it is a great honour for Martin Audio to be involved in this project.”
The launch event takes place in the Old Factory Cooperage, in Plymouth’s Royal William Yard, on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September from 12-8pm, as part of the Ocean City Festival.
Fathom is the second commission of the River Tamar Project, following the successful premiere of the work, Ghost by Adam Chodzko, with both supported by Peninsula Arts at Plymouth University and the Arts Council England.
The River Tamar Project will culminate in the staging of an international film festival along the banks of the river in 2014, which will commission and schedule a programme of contemporary and historic film and video that seeks to bring awareness of the waterway in the context of major rivers throughout the world. It also hopes to use the landscape to enable national and international artists, and the individual communities, to create a range of striking works and thought-provoking experiences.
Paula Orrell, Artistic Director of the River Tamar Project, said: “The River Tamar is a critical part of the South West’s landscape and histories, encompassing trade, industry, politics and the redistribution of its local communities.
"This history is now embedded in the fabric and architectural structures of its banks, and provides a wonder of opportunity for artists, filmmakers and other art practitioners to form and create ideas.
"The intention of It’s All About the River is to draw attention to issues which are universally relevant, and explore a potential new human purpose for the River Tamar once more.”
Sarah Chapman, Director of Peninsula Arts, said: “The River Tamar Project aligns with our strong outward facing ethos – centred on enterprise, partnership and innovation – to support the city's aspiration to become a nationally recognised centre for culture.
"Through a collaborative approach we support the development of new initiatives, high quality festivals and events that aim to raise the profile and foster a vibrant cultural scene within the city.”
Simon Jutton, Senior Relationship Manager – South West, at the Arts Council England said: “We’re excited to see the next phase of the River Tamar Project unfold, and we hope It’s All About the River engages and inspires local people living and working along this historic waterway.
"Arts and culture have an incredible power to draw communities together. Projects like this can help develop a real sense of place and underline the unique value of our natural environment and rich heritage. I look forward to the launch of the project in September.”
