New work-in-progress shines a light on nocturnal ecologies

28 Nov

UK-based sound artist Nikki Sheth recently presented Nocturnal Wanderings, a work-in-progress showcasing the culmination of her five-month Natural Ecologies residency. Held in UniSC’s state-of-the-art CAVE2, the audience was invited to embark on a digitally immersive journey through Queensland’s nocturnal wildlife, uncovering hidden soundscapes.

This residency, delivered in partnership between SCCA and UniSC, provided Nikki with the opportunity to explore new creative technologies, receiving valuable project support from UniSC’s Creative Ecologies Research Cluster.

The event included two fully booked showings of Nocturnal Wanderings and an insightful conversation between Nikki and Dr Leah Barclay, where audience members gained insights into Nikki's technical process and collaboration with visual designer, John Lucy. Attendees included local artists, art appreciators, UniSC academics, and students, some of whom were mentored by Nikki during her residency through field recording trips.

For Nocturnal Wanderings, Nikki recorded nocturnal wildlife across three Queensland Biosphere Reserve sites before composing a 30 minute sound scape accompanied by Lucy’s visuals. The audio-visual experience was designed specifically for the CAVE2, responding to its awe inspiring 320-degree panoramic screen and 16-channel sound system. Entering the CAVE2, audiences were immersed in a multi-sensory experience. Dim lighting, low slung lounges and sounds that exist above human hearing range set the scene for a meditative experience.

Audiences were treated to lively frog choruses recorded at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary, and the ultrasonic calls of flying foxes captured during Australasian Bat Night at Maleny Showgrounds. The journey concluded with the choir of insects and small creatures from the lush depths of the Daintree Rainforest.

In conversation with Dr Leah Barclay, Nikki shared some hot tips:

For budding sound artists:

Be adaptable. Go into the recording process with an open mind; nature rarely follows expectations.
Maximise the moment. Use multiple recording setups to capture diverse perspectives of a location.

On applying for professional opportunities:

Back yourself. Know why your project matters, you’ll convince others when you’re clear on its value.
Don’t fear rejection. Keep applying, and believe in the strength of your idea.

Applications for R|Artist Residency: Natural Ecologies will open in 2025. The program is designed for mid-career and senior artists looking to critically explore new, sustainable technologies in their practice, with a focus on ecological conservation and regeneration.

R|Artist Residency: Natural Ecologies is an artist residency presented by SCCA through The Refinery, in partnership with the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster at UniSC. Supported by Major Partners Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

The Refinery