COLD

Background COLD is a collaborative artwork created by sound artist Jordan Lacey and visual artist Remi Freer. The artists draw upon technology, phenomenology and ambiance theory, providing a unique example of interdisciplinary research that combines ambiance design, biophilic design and sound installation practices. It was one of nine works that featured within ‘Translating Ambiance’, a group exhibition located at Yarra Sculpture Gallery, 5-22 September 2019. The work consists of readymade air-conditioning shells from which sound recordings and lighting effects emanate, translating the sound and light-scape of the Victorian Alpine high country into a laneway adjacent to the gallery. Contribution The creation and realisation of COLD exemplifies the research aims of the ‘Translating Ambiance’ exhibition - to translate ambiance between environments, recording the embodied processes employed during these acts of translation. The sounds of creek eddies discovered in the alpine region, recorded with ambisonic, hydrophone and contact microphones, alongside the phenomenological experiences and perceptions of creek tributaries, snowy peaks and forests while onsite, formed the material that was translated and juxtaposed with the characteristics of an urban, Melbourne laneway. This work connects to Lacey’s ongoing research identifying pathways through which artists might engage in and influence urban futures. Significance This installation work forms part of the research emerging from the ARC grant (DECRA) awarded to Lacey - ‘Translating Ambiance: restorative sound design for urban soundscapes (2019-21). The ‘Translating Ambiance’ exhibition was funded by the Yarra City Council ($1000 community grant) and was featured in Foreground, a web based journal published by Uro Publications in partnership with AILA. The work has also informed Lacey’s creation of and participation in ‘Mtalks: Translating Ambiance’, presented by MPavillion and Melbourne Design Week, March 21, 2020.