Research Development for the Sound Walk:

Given the current emergencies of climate change, many of us are questioning our
exploitative relationship with nature. This interdisciplinary sound walk will focus on aspects of
two related fields – philosophy of mind (specifically plant consciousness) and
ecopsychology. This research will offer a joyful re-engagement with nature where plants
are seen as possessing agency, memory, kin recognition, intelligence, and perhaps the
ability to possess consciousness. It will investigate panpsychism that is gaining momentum
within philosophy of mind, in which a mind-like aspect is understood to be a fundamental
feature of reality. Within ecopsychology, it will focus on the emotional bond between
humans and the natural environment and the capacity for immersion in nature to improve
our well-being and generate a more reciprocal relationship with the more-than-human
world.

In collaboration with a composer, I have recorded the inner sounds of these trees using specialist microphones. The sound piece is composed of these environmental sounds, a voiceover and improvised music. I have developed the voiceover of the character Anna Woods, reflecting on the research. Overall, this sound walk project aims to reimagine the relationship between humans and nature by fostering qualities of respect, care and an embodied listening to plants, while highlighting the many benefits of reconnecting with the natural environment upon which humanity depends.

About this Event:

This sound walk event begins with 2 interactive exercises with trees (in groups of 2), followed by a group mindfulness exercise, with the aim of facilitating a more immersive experience in nature. Next, participants will be able to listen to the sound walk composition played out on speakers as they are led on the 20-minute sound walk through Alexandra Park. After this the group will walk back to the Art in the Park venue, to complete a reflective session incorporating socially engaged art. Participants will be able to reflect on the session through a discussion facilitating writing answers to questions and making drawings/collages, in response to the sound walk and the themes that it draws from. Make sure you wear suitable walking shoes and clothing.

Location:

We will meet at the Redwood Trees in Alexandra Park. This is in the top-left corner of the first section of the park near Dordrecht Road. Walk past the bandstand cafe and carry along on the path where you will see the two Redwood Trees on the right side as you approach the corner exit.

About the Host:

Annie Goliath is an interdisciplinary artist and educator who lives and works between Hastings and London across a diverse array of mediums including sound, moving image, performance, painting, text and socially engaged art. Her practice navigates the changing relationship between the human and the more-than-human at the intersections between ecology, philosophy and language.

Annie has delivered 89 visual art, digital and music workshops in the UK. She has also taken part in 30 exhibitions, screenings and events in the UK, USA, South Africa, Slovakia and Mexico. Recent group exhibitions, screenings and events include: SoCAL Festival, California, USA; Sound Walk Event (Entanglements 1), Hastings, UK; Hastings Rocks International Film Festival, Hastings, UK; II National Meeting of Performance and Gender 2021, Centro de Arte Bernado Quintana CABQA, Querétaro, Mexico; False Memory, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, Rugby, 2021; SAY AAAAAHHHHH, The Old Operating Theatre Museum, London, 2019 and Remains Screening, Tollis, London.

Partner Organisation for the Sound Walk Event:

Arts on Prescription (which I have partnered with to deliver this event) is volunteer-led, however, they do have costs to cover to deliver their art for wellbeing courses and therefore they will request that you pay a donation when booking their events.