The Second the Water Wets Your Face, Reflexes of Your Aquatic Ancestors Kick In
2024
38 min. audio work
+ poster series
Listeners are invited to envelop themselves in a sensuous environment where borders between bodies blur. Insides become outsides. The guiding words mix with a detailed soundscape, built from voice and field recordings that fuse with electronic layers.
Lay down your head and focus on gut feelings. Let me peel off the sticky layers around your brain, poke a finger into the valley between your hemispheres. Relax into this bed that’s large enough to notice from outer space. We’ll make new memories, make weightless somersaults and let ourselves sink towards the sandy dance floor.
Images: installation view at P/////AKT, Amsterdam, 2024
The Second the Water Wets Your Face,
Reflexes of Your Aquatic Ancestors Kick In
Concept and script: Erica van Loon
Sound in collaboration with Daniel Steiner
Graphic design in collaboration with Jan Egbers
Sources for the script were among others conversations with (neuro) anatomist Cindy Cleypool, zoologist Tacyana Oliveira and marine ecologist Maarten de Brauwer.
Sparring partner throughout delevoping script: Alix de Massiac
Editing script: Ro Heinrich
The project is generously supported by Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, Tijl Fonds – Cultuurfonds and Mondriaan Fund.
Part of its development took place during residencies at Fundaziun Nairs, Scuol (CH) and Casa di Rosa, Loco (CH).
🎧 Listen to the teaser (recommended to listen on headphones)
🎧 Interview about The Second the Water Wets Your Face,… on Radio Bern - Subkutan. Including samples of the piece, so don’t forget those headphones!