How Do You Here Me?

Throughout this project I explored the physical presence of sound. This spatial sound installation is intended to produce a felt sense of proximity where it may not be possible and to appreciate and refine a sensitivity to the tangible world of vibrations.

I am basing my research on studies done on Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) where a certain percentage of the population experiences physical sensations of tingling and chills when listening. This effect, studied in music and referred to as “musical frisson,” involves changes in skin conductance and the release of dopamine. I am also exploring the physiological benefits of brainwave synchronization —  the premise behind binaural beats — and coregulation in polyvagal theory wherein an individual’s nervous system is positively influenced by another individual’s more regulated nervous system.

I am still refining my ability to indicate specific qualities of movement. These include the doppler effect to bend sound and the manual variation of frequency through movement. I anticipate different levels of perceived engagement in the spatial sound installation based on theories of musical expectancy; namely habitually assumed progression, the activation of mirror neurons, and the phenomenon of emotional contagion based on the potential for visual imagery suggested by the sound. I am also considering, through experimentation, where specific sound frequencies resonate on the skin and in the body —  how and where we feel different sound vibrations. I also tried to reproduce the vibrational experience of physical contact with the vibrotransducers in Lobe’s flooring and to recreate sensation with the same degree of sensitivity as intended during recording.

My artistic residency at Lobe Studio was a period of practice-based research and creation. The iterative development of a site-specific anthrophonic sound installation will be the vehicle through which I continue to investigate the possibility of perceptual movement reenactment through sound. By honing my skills and sensitivity in designing sound environments I hope to ultimately establish new techniques for participation in sensory performance and installation.