Bodies of Waves

Bodies of Waves uses sound as an artistic tool to delve into the complex interplay between language devices in mass media and the profound issues of migration, colonialism, and climate change.  Bodies of Waves appropriates, collages, and examines audio from media outlet’s use of water as a linguistic metaphor to frame refugees and migrants. Terms such as “flood” and “wave” not only evoke images of overwhelming natural forces, but also subtly perpetuate colonial attitudes, reducing individuals to faceless masses and perpetuating notions of “otherness”.  Subsequently, as the project narrative unfolds, Bodies of Waves also confronts a modern form of colonialism: climate change. 

By linking these linguistic descriptors of water to the physical spaces of Aalborg’s waterfront areas that face climate crises, new localized spatial, social, and phenomenological linkages become present. The industrial aspirations of the developed world have created a global crisis, with rising sea levels and water scarcity potentially becoming major drivers of future migration. The questions remain: how will Western media continue to frame and address the impending waves of climate refugees? How can we understand waterfront cities (like Aalborg) and their implication within these global crises? By activating a sound installation and performative walk in Aalborg unfolding water media metaphors in relation to endangered seaside spaces in the city, Bodies of Waves seeks to evoke dialogues, connections, and discussion in relation to these interrelated and unresolved socio-ecological questions. 

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A special thanks to Khaled Barakeh, Nikolaj Skjold, Thomas Birket-Smith, and Huset i Hasserisgade.