sound composition and film for Fragments of Sonic Extinction
sound installation at Nebyula art space, Munich, 2024
Location: Parc Naturel Corbières-Fenouillèdes,
Film extracts provided by John Holliday, Parc Naturel Corbières-Fenouillèdes, Abbaye de Lagrasse, April 2024.
'Guano Spells' takes place in the Corbières region in the South of France, exploring its post-extinction geographies and their entanglement in the lives of bats. From dried-out basins to charred forests, my sonic journey delves into the haunted histories of the land of the Cathars, culminating in the ancient monastery of Lagrasse, where colonies of bats seek refuge. ‘Guano Spells’ is a collection of ultrasonic incantations - the very fertilizer of renewal - casting a spell for the hopeful return and proliferation of bat and animal populations amidst the challenges they face.
We are in the Parc Naturel Corbières-Fenouillèdes, where a colony of rhinolophus bats is finding refuge behind a vast historic open fire chimney stack in the historic Abbaye de Lagrasse (7th Century). Deepest thanks to John Holliday for his guidance and open mindedness towards our artistic endeavor. John is in charge of the observation and protection of the bat colony and nature park.
In the coming months, John and I will build and install an ultrasonic live audio stream that will sonify the soundscape of the bat colony in real-time. This live audio stream will allow everyone to tune in to the nocturnal chattering and listen with and be with the rhinolophus bats. (live audio link to come)
The bat species we can hear are: Myotis Daubentonii, Myotis Nattereri, Pipistrellus, Pipistrellus Pigmaeus, Myotis Mystacinus, Nyctalus Leisleri, Pipistrellus Nathusii, Plecotus Auritus, Rhinolophus hipposideros, including the frog sunset and the dawn chorus.
Bat echolocation is a marvel of nature, a symphony of sound guiding these nocturnal creatures through darkness with unparalleled precision. Emitting high-frequency calls, bats listen keenly for the echoes bouncing back from objects in their path. This sophisticated sonar system allows them to navigate intricate environments, hunt for prey, and avoid obstacles in the blink of an eye.
At the heart of echolocation lies the Doppler shift phenomenon, a fascinating aspect of physics harnessed by bats to gauge the speed and direction of their prey. As a bat approaches its target, the frequency of its emitted calls compresses, creating a higher-pitched sound. Conversely, as it moves away, the frequency stretches, resulting in a lower pitch. This Doppler shift provides crucial information about the prey's movement, enabling the bat to adjust its trajectory with remarkable accuracy.
But amidst their remarkable abilities, bats face a grim reality. In Europe, bats serve as vital indicators of biodiversity, yet they face alarming declines. In the southern reaches of France, where 31 out of 33 bat species reside, habitat degradation and human disturbance pose existential threats. Species like the Mediterranean horseshoe bat, Long-fingered bat, and Schreiber's bat are particularly imperiled by urbanization, cave disturbance, and intensive agricultural practices. The urgency to protect these creatures is underscored by a lack of scientific understanding and public awareness of their ecological needs.
The decline of water sources and insect populations, exacerbated by factors like climate change and habitat destruction, threatens their very existence. As water bodies dry up and insect populations dwindle, bats struggle to find sustenance, leading to declines in their populations. This ecological imbalance highlights the interconnectedness of species and the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard these vital creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.
In the intricate dance of echolocation, Doppler shift compensation, and ecological challenges, bats showcase the ingenuity of evolution and the delicate balance of life on Earth.
