Wendego in Space
Jan 02, 2022, 03:33 PM
"While listening to this broadcast by Apollo 8 of the first views of the moon in 1968, I was thematically conflicted with a duality of perspectives tied to space exploration. On one hand, this venture offers new opportunities for human expansion and knowledge we have yet to discover about our universe; yet, it also signifies processes of colonization that transcend earths atmosphere to a cosmic level. While creating this re-imagined composition, I was inspired by my Algonquin heritage to grapple with these conflicting themes.
"I envisioned the perspectives of colonization as they may emerge between both the explorer and inhabitant as two separate sound worlds. I move between these worlds as I integrate field recordings that I have captured across Vancouver, BC, oscillating back to the sample recording at times to balance these voices. As the composition progresses, I aim to emulate themes of confusion, disorientation, and eventually destruction that accompanies colonization. I have used this recording in numerous ways, such as adjusting the pitch, adding reverb, frequency manipulation, and altering timing. While there are clear audible sections of this piece interwoven, I have also manipulated large sections to create a keynote drone that slowly builds throughout the piece to gradually reduce clarity.
"I hope this sound art inspires you to consider the intersections of hope and loss tied to space exploration - positioning the listener at a mirror to the past and future. In Algonquin speaking First Nations communities, a Wendego is considered to be a supernatural being. In many legends, this being is driven by gluttony, greed, and a desire to kill. It's important to remember the impact of colonialism as it has existed on our planet, and to tread carefully as we embark on interstellar exploration."
"I envisioned the perspectives of colonization as they may emerge between both the explorer and inhabitant as two separate sound worlds. I move between these worlds as I integrate field recordings that I have captured across Vancouver, BC, oscillating back to the sample recording at times to balance these voices. As the composition progresses, I aim to emulate themes of confusion, disorientation, and eventually destruction that accompanies colonization. I have used this recording in numerous ways, such as adjusting the pitch, adding reverb, frequency manipulation, and altering timing. While there are clear audible sections of this piece interwoven, I have also manipulated large sections to create a keynote drone that slowly builds throughout the piece to gradually reduce clarity.
"I hope this sound art inspires you to consider the intersections of hope and loss tied to space exploration - positioning the listener at a mirror to the past and future. In Algonquin speaking First Nations communities, a Wendego is considered to be a supernatural being. In many legends, this being is driven by gluttony, greed, and a desire to kill. It's important to remember the impact of colonialism as it has existed on our planet, and to tread carefully as we embark on interstellar exploration."
Composition by Lauren Knight.
Part of the Shortwave Transmissions project, documenting and reimagining the sounds of shortwave radio - find out more and see the whole project at https://citiesandmemory.com/shortwave