Peninsula

BACKGROUND Peninsula researched the social and environmental conditions of three indigenous communities of the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley, Australia. The work features field recordings in an attempt to construct a composition of meaningful sounds encompassing this natural environment and its communities and involved working closely with community leaders. A variety of microphones was used to capture air-, water- and structure-borne sounds which together provide a vivid description of life in this remote part of Australia. In presentation a six-channel surround sound installation was used. Echoes was a two-year sound art cultural exchange project between curated by Jared Davis, in which South African James Webb presented a sound work at the Melbourne International Arts Festival, and Samartzis travelled to Cape Town. CONTRIBUTION The work creates new innovations in sound art that enable a listener to experience the complex set of natural, built and spatial elements that coalesce to create a uniquely immersive and tactile aural environment. Peninsula employs specialist field recording technology to investigate sonic events in forensic detail. It draws on a range of practices, including soundscape composition, sound art and bioacoustics, to render sophisticated listening environments. The techniques employed to capture and shape environmental sound can be found in the work of highly regarded sound artists such as Chris Watson (UK), Bernie Krause (USA) and Eric La Casa (France). SIGNIFICANCE Peninsula was originally commissioned by Tura New Music (a not for profit music organisation based in Perth, WA) and IASKA (International Art Space Kellerberrin Australia), both organisations are interested in engaging with remote indigenous communities through art based initiatives. Samartzis's artist in residency at Dampier Peninsula was funded by the Australia Council for the Arts and Healthways WA. Echoes was also funded by the Council, and Arts Victoria.