Walls Have Ears

We recently had the pleasure of hosting 'Walls Have Ears' in collaboration with HOME by Ronan Mckenzie, wherein guests were invited to experience a multi-sensory exploration into the ancient art of the tea ceremony.

Blending ancient tradition with modernity, this improvisatory event utilised a synthesis of abstract sound and traditional movement as a medium, in order to investigate how an age- old ritual manifests within an unconventional setting.

‘Walls Have Ears’ is the conception of Genevieve Lenette - Research & Development Chef and Tea Sommelier, and musician, Cassidy Hansen.

Sonic Architecture is a discipline concerned with the (re)construction of architectural spaces from the listening perspective, and vice versa. In this experiment, the traditional teahouse setting is replaced by a sonic structure within which the experience takes place. Using the simple combination of Ableton Live with a keyboard and microphone input, the pillars and building blocks of the teahouse are assembled piece by piece with drone instruments, looped samples and abstract sounds.

Distorted and modulated vocals lend a human touch to the otherwise virtual landscape being conjured, and in some cases controlled silence speaks volumes. This is sound as both the architect and the labourer, building something that tangible materials cannot.

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