Platform Arts, Geelong CBD

‘Altered Acoustic Ecology,’ Field Studies Sound: 30:00:00 x3, 3 x 30cm x 2000cm, MDF and forest acrylic paint

In 2021, during my residency at Platform Arts, I began to investigate and compare my ongoing studies of noise pollution across Geelong and the Surf Coast, looking more closely at how different environments are affected by the increasing presence of human-made sound. This work presents three structures that visually represent six of the landscapes I researched throughout the residency: Kalimna Falls, Phantom Falls, Geelong Botanic Gardens, Balyang Sanctuary, Koorie Cultural Walk and Ocean Grove Nature Reserve. Each of these environments experiences varying levels of noise pollution. While some are frequently affected by high levels of human-made sound, others retain quieter moments where natural sounds can still be heard and experienced. These differences became an important part of my investigation, highlighting the value of protecting spaces where natural soundscapes remain relatively undisturbed. The structures translate these six environments into a visual form, exploring the relationship between the landscapes themselves and the sounds that occupy them. The work considers what happens when human-made noise increasingly enters natural environments, and the importance of preserving quieter spaces before their soundscapes become permanently altered.