Join Roman Susan for the project launch of Umwelt by artist Mark Alcazar Diaz. Umwelt presents an auditory journey through the alleyways of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Delve into an intricate urban ecology of sounds that define these corridors.
Through meticulous field recordings captured with a binaural microphone, Umwelt unveils the nuanced sonic landscapes of each alley, offering a glimpse into the unseen rhythms of daily life. From the rhythmic clatter of ventilation systems echoing against brick walls to the distant hum of traffic permeating the air, each sound serves as a thread weaving together the fabric of this urban environment.
During this launch event, November 23 from 1:30 – 4:30 pm at HAIBAYÔ, visitors activate the mapped recordings through overlapping sound stations. Kinetic philosopher and dancer Ayako Kato responds to the chance interactions in the afternoon.
The field recordings are accessible 24/7 at mark-a-diaz-umwelt.com. The site is intended for desktop or laptop interface. Headsets are recommended.
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Mark Alcazar Diaz is an interdisciplinary artist who works in video, sound, and object-making. In his arts practice he explores resonant themes of migration, place-making, nostalgia, the interplay of nature and culture, the pedagogy of space and objects, and slowly unfolding time.
Ayako Kato is a contemporary choreographer and dancer originally from Yokohama, Japan. Kato’s dance seeks the way of being in relation to nature and illuminates the dignity of life in response to contemporary society. Kato has been awarded a United States Artist Fellowship, Sybil Shearer Fellowship at Ragdale, and Illinois Arts Council Artist Fellowship, among others.
HAIBAYÔ is a creative initiative that aims to energize the historic Asia on Argyle corridor through innovative cross-cultural, multi-generational collaborations.
This event is presented as part of Roman Susan’s Navigations, an ongoing series of artist-led projects in and about public space. It is supported by Hyde Park Art Center’s Artists Run Chicago Fund as part of Art Design Chicago.
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An initiative of the Terra Foundation for American Art in partnership with artists and organizations across the city, Art Design Chicago is a series of events and exhibitions that highlight the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities.
