rupa /Listen


Listen


Listen is an immersive listening space in which sound is experienced by the body, ears, and eyes. The installation seeks to redefine the term “listening” by calling attention to the multisensory nature of sound and allowing it to be heard, felt, and seen. Additionally, Listen aims to create a more inclusive sonic experience: one in which those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can more easily participate.

At the core of the installation is a ten-channel speaker system consisting of six subwoofers placed inside a purpose-built bed, with four additional speakers surrounding the space. The bed allows visitors to feel the sounds through their bodies and a visualization of the soundscape is projected directly above it. The effect is that of a full body surround sound experience.


Speakers, wood, projection, fabric, foam




"I lost my hearing in my right ear eleven years ago, and since then, my experience of sound has been somewhat limited and frustrating. Yesterday, I got a chance to experience your sound environment at the MAH, and it was a delightful revelation as well as the fullest hearing experience I've had since my hearing loss. What I learned from the process was how hearing can be enriched by other senses, particularly feeling and sight. I do some occasional talking about synesthesia, but your environment was a vibrant demonstration of it. Interestingly enough, lying on your sound bed, I slipped into a hypnogogic state for a few minutes (or more - I lost track of time). I was somewhere between sleep and waking awareness, and I felt quite alert when I left. Thanks for the experience." - Anonymous Guest


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