HEAR is an immersive audio and projection installation inspired by the parallels between hearing loss and the loss of biodiversity within ecosystems across the world due to climate change. Using a combination of storytelling, original habitat audio recordings, archive materials, contemporary research, sound design and projection mapping, the installation explores these two phenomena within a single environment and gives audiences an insight into the impacts of ecological catastrophe and hearing health like never before.
Director & Producer: Hassun El-Zafar. Ecologist: Dr Cindy Cosset. Sound Designer & Composer: Lee Affen. Set Designer: Kevin Jenkins. Projection Designer: Will Monks.
Supported By: Unlimited & Wakefield Arthouse
THE STORIES
AHMED | THE MANGROVES
Ahmed is now 80 year old. He has been a fisherman in near the Al-Nadi Mangroves since the age of 8. His family have been fishing in these waters for over a century. The rapid modernization of the UAE in the last 50 years has led to an enormous amount of natural mangrove forests to be destroyed. Ahmed hears the impact everyday as aquatic environments once home to thousands of species become home to a select few. Bearing consequences to Ahmed's home and life like no generation before him.
HAYATI | THE RAINFOREST
Hayati is just 12 years old. Even at this age, having lived in the Borneo forests all her life, she can tell you the name of every bird from just hearing its morning song. And it’s not just the birds, she can tell you the name of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians to. But now the loggers have come… and the birds do not sing anymore, the forest is getting smaller, She can sense things are leaving this new world and wonders if the wildlife will ever sing again like before.
MALCOLM & Emma | THE WOODS
Malcolm Okata and his wife Emma Okata have lived near the Northern General Hospital Woods in North Sheffield for 30 years. When they first moved, the woodlands were large enough to spend a day’s walk, now they are fenced off and shrinking as the Hospital grows. The sounds of nature are turning more into the bustling of cars, ambulances and antisocial behavior. The area is heading into decline. The couple reminisce about their youth and the once dream home.