WE ARE WATER. WATER IS US.

SONA is a sound work by Stefano Curto and Sebastian Meyer. SONA invites its listeners to dive deep into the soundscape of the more-than-human world.

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SONA is a sound work that investigates the deep relationship between living beings and water, an element symbolizing purity and fertility, through sound. SONA invites its audience to listen to the more-than-human world, at the intersection of art, spirituality, and knowledge.

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Stefano Curto and Sebastian Meyer recording on the field

A Journey Through Sound

Over three years, Curto and Meyer collected sounds from various geographical locations, including Siwa, Basque Country, Iceland, and more. Using advanced technology such as hydrophones, geophones, and 360° microphones, they captured the unique sonic landscapes of these regions. The work reflects both personal experiences and an organic sound performance by the artists during mixing.

Meditation and Listening

The artists incorporate meditation practices in their daily lives and apply these techniques to foster deep listening throughout their recordings. Guided by Pauline Oliveros’ philosophy, the artists believe that careful listening can transform our perception of nature and deepen our awareness, offering a mystical and emotional connection to the sounds of water in its various forms.

All sounds were collected over three years and recorded with sophisticated technology including hydrophones, geophones and a 360° microphone rig.

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Field photo from the Sona Project (Stefano Curto and Sebastian Meyer)

THE STORY

Stefano Curto and Sebastian Meyer met on an island in SoutheastAsia 15 years ago and have had a deep friendship ever since.They are both interested in similar research topics and artisticpractices. Over time, they developed the idea to combine theirartistic, intellectual and spiritual affinities to co-create a work.

AN Immersive Experience

SONA’s 34-minute performance takes place in an octagonal bell tent, where 18 spectators sit in a circle on comfortable mattresses. Twelve suspended speakers deliver the performance while the fabric of the tent absorbs sound, creating a unique immersive listening experience. The artists aim to inspire both children and adults to reconnect with their environment through sound, promoting a deeper understanding of humanity’s place in the world.

Stefano Curto produces works of art by creating shiny textures with crystals and minerals set on plex canvas. In his art practice he also composes music, writes and investigates humanity and the sacred Motherland, travelling around the world for 30 years.

SEBASTIAN MEYER IS AN ARTIST BASED IN VIENNA. HIS WORKS FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL LISTENING AND SOUND ECOLOGY WITHIN A TIME BASED MEDIA ARTS CONTEXT.