Earth Friction: Geological Forces_Forced Nature

Sound Performance with a set design by Leïla Arenou.

And resulting Recorded Live Set exhibited at Sudden Beam, and published online.

For this soundscape, I drew inspiration from my fascination with natural phenomena and volcanic activities, which led me to live in Iceland from 2007 to 2009; I was also inspired by my own experience of injustice — my parents were refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia — as well as my ongoing research on the work of indigenous and diasporic activists, and conversations I had with friends, spotlighting certain geopolitical factors – ongoing imperialist exploitations – in places like the DRC and Greenland which are rich in natural resources. I have collaged field recordings of geothermal activities, clips excerpted from speeches by Indigenous activists + I wanted to gel these elements cohesively together with electronic beats and beeps, bass and anger, using intense industrial/noise sound and vocals.

Commissioned by Leïla Arenou and Naïmé Perrette for the occasion of the Lava Lines programme of exhibition and events. Supported by Arts Council England and Fluxus Arts Fund.