The Dusk Chorus

Hakemuksen tiivistelmä

At Saari Residence, I will build upon existing work and research, but open a new chapter that moves beyond text-based narrative by emphasizing sound, as well as olfactory and gustatory experiences. I seek to interrogate the affective landscapes of rural environments through the senses and would therefore like to use the time of the residency to research different forms of sensual engagement and develop the concept for a new performance work. The term “Dusk Chorus” refers to the increased activity of birds as dusk approaches. In my work however I will not focus on bird chatter, but I am interested in creating atmosphere with sound, smell and taste, that alludes to dusk landscapes and the real or fictional lives they may carry. The theme of dusk serves as a metaphorical canvas to explore the complex realities of rural living. In an era marked by a climate emergency, while many artists gravitate towards celebrating the beauty of nature through ecological themes and sustainability, my focus delves into the shadows of these landscapes. I aim to uncover the narratives of fear and marginalization that linger in rural settings – areas often romanticized yet fraught with layers of exclusion tied to race, sexuality, and gender identity. This critical exploration is not only relevant but urgent, especially within the context or European rural landscapes, where the pastoral is inextricably linked to cultural and economic identity, yet seldom questioned through the lens of privilege and inclusivity. One of my main occupations at Saari will be researching how to tell these stories in a multi-sensorial way. One of my main interests will be working with sound-objects to fabricate sounds through which the inaudible becomes heard. I also plan to further research the potential of taste and smell for storytelling, through their ability to evoke memories and convey non-linear, embodied experiences.