Šárka Benedová, I Knew You Were Me, 2025
Šárka Benedová - Carolina Boettner - Atul Giri
This text was submitted as a proposal to the apexart NYC25 Open Call
In cities such as New York, London, and Mumbai, pervasive noise has become an integral part of daily life, leading to significant mental and physical health issues. Silence is inherently our natural right, yet in today’s fast-paced world, it has transformed into a state that must be actively sought after. We deserve moments of quiet, alongside the slower, deeper thinking that often accompanies them, as these moments are crucial for fostering constructive and peaceful lives. The constant barrage of sound—exacerbated by technological advancements and urban expansion—exposes urban dwellers to noise levels averaging over 80 decibels daily, a threshold that correlates with increased stress, sleep disturbances, and chronic health conditions.
In a world marked by ceaseless interactions, silence has become increasingly rare and holds great value. Yet, it is vital for mental clarity, emotional well-being, and reflective thinking. Modern society's relentless emphasis on constant communication and individualism can overwhelm our lives, diminishing our opportunities for introspection and genuine connection. The project "Silence Is Still Our Best Chance" addresses this reality, positioning quietness as a fundamental human necessity rather than just a luxury. This initiative emphasizes the insights and tranquility that can emerge from quiet observation, particularly in a world increasingly dominated by immediate, reactionary noise.
This installation will involve a collaborative effort from three artists, each contributing to the exploration of silence. One artist will create a sound installation in a 7.1 surround sound format, providing the audience with an immersive auditory experience. Another artist will present seven textile-based visual artworks that resonate with the theme of quiet, crafted independently without prior knowledge of the sound installation. A third artist, a dancer, will develop a movement routine inspired by the concept of a "quiet circle," interpreting the essence of stillness through their movements.
Although each artist will work independently, they will come together for the exhibition to form a cohesive experience. This collaboration aims to engage the audience's senses, inviting them to appreciate how sound, visuals, and movement can illuminate the beauty and significance of silence in our noisy world.
New York City's diverse soundscape serves as an excellent foundation for this project. Renowned for its relentless energy and vibrant noise, New York offers a compelling contrast between sound and silence that enriches this exploration. Field recordings capturing the ambient noise of bustling streets, serene parks, and rare moments of urban calm will be incorporated, adding a local perspective to the theme of "chasing silence."
Through this exhibition, visitors will be invited to delve into silence as a profound and immersive experience, underscoring its importance amidst the chaos of city life. By emphasizing the value of quiet moments, "Silence Is Still Our Best Chance" aspires to create a space for reflection, connection, and a renewed appreciation for the calming presence of silence.
In cities such as New York, London, and Mumbai, pervasive noise has become an integral part of daily life, leading to significant mental and physical health issues. Silence is inherently our natural right, yet in today’s fast-paced world, it has transformed into a state that must be actively sought after. We deserve moments of quiet, alongside the slower, deeper thinking that often accompanies them, as these moments are crucial for fostering constructive and peaceful lives. The constant barrage of sound—exacerbated by technological advancements and urban expansion—exposes urban dwellers to noise levels averaging over 80 decibels daily, a threshold that correlates with increased stress, sleep disturbances, and chronic health conditions.
In a world marked by ceaseless interactions, silence has become increasingly rare and holds great value. Yet, it is vital for mental clarity, emotional well-being, and reflective thinking. Modern society's relentless emphasis on constant communication and individualism can overwhelm our lives, diminishing our opportunities for introspection and genuine connection. The project "Silence Is Still Our Best Chance" addresses this reality, positioning quietness as a fundamental human necessity rather than just a luxury. This initiative emphasizes the insights and tranquility that can emerge from quiet observation, particularly in a world increasingly dominated by immediate, reactionary noise.
This installation will involve a collaborative effort from three artists, each contributing to the exploration of silence. One artist will create a sound installation in a 7.1 surround sound format, providing the audience with an immersive auditory experience. Another artist will present seven textile-based visual artworks that resonate with the theme of quiet, crafted independently without prior knowledge of the sound installation. A third artist, a dancer, will develop a movement routine inspired by the concept of a "quiet circle," interpreting the essence of stillness through their movements.
Although each artist will work independently, they will come together for the exhibition to form a cohesive experience. This collaboration aims to engage the audience's senses, inviting them to appreciate how sound, visuals, and movement can illuminate the beauty and significance of silence in our noisy world.
New York City's diverse soundscape serves as an excellent foundation for this project. Renowned for its relentless energy and vibrant noise, New York offers a compelling contrast between sound and silence that enriches this exploration. Field recordings capturing the ambient noise of bustling streets, serene parks, and rare moments of urban calm will be incorporated, adding a local perspective to the theme of "chasing silence."
Through this exhibition, visitors will be invited to delve into silence as a profound and immersive experience, underscoring its importance amidst the chaos of city life. By emphasizing the value of quiet moments, "Silence Is Still Our Best Chance" aspires to create a space for reflection, connection, and a renewed appreciation for the calming presence of silence.
Atul Giri, a Norway-based Indian artist, merges music, field-recordings and surround-sound to create immersive experiences, exploring inner and outer human conditions through listening and silence.
