Answer to the Call, 2021
22 channel sonic installation
edition of 1 + 1 AP
Collection of TBA21–Academy
photos © gerdastudio
TBA21–Academy, ‘The Soul Expanding Ocean #1’ by Taloi Havini at Ocean Space, Venice was her recent solo exhibition, part of a two-year curatorial cycle entitled The Soul Expanding Ocean by Ocean Space’s 2021 and 2022 curator Chus Martínez.
A twenty-two-channel sound piece, the work uses an ancient compositional technique that produces a dialogue between these different ways of knowing through a method of a call and response. Through the inclusion of her own Hakö language and instruments that conjure her navigational ancestors, Havini moves beyond a sonic measuring of space and distance, asserting the presence of a much deeper, cyclical understanding of the ocean, space, and time. The track evolves to include archival sources, such as hydrophone recordings of sonar mapping taken on the R/V Falkor, ocean traveling chants, and an instrumental piece composed by renowned Bougainville musician Ben Hakalitz.
Located in the Church of San Lorenzo in Venice, Ocean Space is a planetary center for exhibitions, research and public programs catalyzing ocean literacy and advocacy through the arts. Established and led by TBA21–Academy and building on its expansive work over the past ten years, this embassy for the oceans fosters wonder, engagement, and collective action.
Acknowledgments
The Soul Expanding Ocean #1: Taloi Havini"is commissioned by TBA21 –Academy and co-produced with Schmidt Ocean Institute, co-founded by Wendy Schmidt. The development of this new work was supported by an Artspace Studio Residency.
Chairwoman: Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza
Director TBA21: Carlos Urroz
Director TBA21–Academy: Markus Reymann
Ceo TBA21–Academy: Niall Smith
Curator: Chus Martínez
Assistant Curator; María Montero Sierra, Eleni Tsopotou
Sound Design: Hayley Forward
Sound Engineer & Assistant Sound Design: Felix Abraham
Composition & Instruments; Ben Hakalitz, Mario Celestino
Taloi Havini Studio Production; Laura Thompson, Angela Dufty
© Taloi Havini 2015