The Second the Water Wets Your Face, Reflexes of Your Aquatic Ancestors Kick In
2024
38 min. audio work
+ poster series
+ (upcoming) vinyl record
The Second the Water Wets Your Face, Reflexes of Your Aquatic Ancestors Kick In is an audio work that invites listeners to envelop themselves in a sensuous environment where borders between bodies blur. Insides become outsides as Van Loon’s guiding words mix with a detailed soundscape, for which she collaborated with composer Daniel Steiner.
Lay down your brain and focus on gut feelings.
Relax into a bed large enough to notice from outer space, make new memories, make weightless somersaults and let yourself sink towards a sandy dance floor, with clicking creatures that vibrate your skull.
Installation view of The Second the Water Wets Your Face, Reflexes of Your Aquatic Ancestor Kick In at P/////AKT, Amsterdam, 2024
38 min. audio work on headphones + poster series
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)