About

Sound Art Brighton: Kathy Hinde - Chirp & Drift

Chirp & Drift is a flock of illuminated instruments that chatter in morse code; it combines elements of birdsong, language and music. Gentle tones and harmonies are produced by accordion reeds hidden within each ‘bird’. As wing-like bellows move, air is pressed through the reeds, reminding us of the delicate and fragile state of the environment, and of our own health. Translations of the musical morse code are projected close to the flock and offer a playful probe into interspecies communication, and whether birds sing purely to enjoy making music.

“Birds often adapt their songs in noisy environments in order to be heard – as the communication bandwidth for birds and other species narrows. I pondered on the many information networks we currently engage with and chose to play with the almost obsolete form of radio communication, morse code.” Kathy Hinde

Chirp & Drift was originally commissioned by Lancaster Arts for Light Up Lancaster 2018 and has been supported by Sussex Humanities Lab (Experimental Ecologies) for this presentation.

Kathy Hinde (UK)

Kathy Hinde is an audiovisual artist inspired by behaviours and phenomena found in nature and everyday life. Her works are audiovisual installations, or performances, that combine sound, sculpture, image and light. Comprised of hand-made objects, electronics and a blend of digital and analogue systems, her work represents a cross between kinetic sound sculptures and newly invented musical instruments. She frequently collaborates with other artists and scientists, often actively involving her audiences in the creative process.

Hinde has toured her work around the world and her awards include an Ivor Novello Award for Sound Art, an Honorary Mention at Prix Ars Electronica, a British Composer Award in Sonic Art, an ORAM award and a Scottish Award for New Music for Collaboration with Maja Ratkje. Kathy is part of the Cryptic Artist programme, a member of Bristol Experimental Expanded Film (BEEF) and a resident at the Pervasive Media Studio, Bristol.

http://kathyhinde.co.uk/