A year ago, I had the opportunity to propose an installation concept for a client—a life-sized musical instrument that served as both an auditory escape and a sensory experience. Titled Eye of the Storm, this installation was designed to provide festival-goers with a moment of calm in the midst of the festival’s overwhelming energy.
The Concept: A Sonic Oasis
This festival is known for its loud, electrifying atmosphere, but with Eye of the Storm, we aimed to create a contrasting experience. Visitors would enter acoustic tunnels that carefully suppressed external noise, leading them to an insulated inner space—the heart of the instrument.
Inside, visitors were not just passive observers, but active participants in the creation of the art. They could interact with the installation by plucking strings along the walls, each sound amplified and reflected by the interior’s materials and design. The result was a harmonious cacophony of collective sounds, created by the visitors themselves—a unique and participatory experience.
Art for Neurodivergent Minds
As an autistic artist, I know how overwhelming loud environments can be for neurodivergent individuals. Hyper-sensory perception often triggers extreme reactions like headaches, vertigo, or nausea. My art aims to bridge the gap between these challenges and the broader sensory world.
With Eye of the Storm, I wanted to give festivalgoers—neurodivergent and neurotypical alike—a chance to step out of the chaos and into a space that awakened their senses, eased their anxieties, and created a moment of connection with art and sound.
This project wasn’t just about creating something beautiful. It was about creating acknowledgment, recognition, and accessibility for those across the neurodivergent spectrum while inviting everyone to experience the art in their own way.
Collaborating with Sound Expertise
To bring this vision to life, I collaborated with the brilliant Fouad Beckwati, founder of 21dB, an acoustics consultancy firm with an impressive portfolio spanning performance spaces, recording studios, and international art installations.
Fouad’s deep passion for sound and acoustics was evident from a young age. His expertise, honed through years of work in the UK and internationally, was instrumental in shaping the technical aspects of Eye of the Storm. Together, we worked to create an installation that not only sounded incredible but also felt intentional and immersive.
His background in architectural and engineering acoustics, paired with my artistic approach, allowed us to push the boundaries of sound and art. Fouad’s work has always been about balancing the technical and the creative—a philosophy that aligned perfectly with the goals of this project.
A Space for Connection and Reflection
At its core, Eye of the Storm was designed to be more than an installation—it was a journey. A moment where sound and silence collided to create something meaningful. A space where visitors could connect with the art, themselves, and each other.
Reflecting on this project, I’m reminded of the profound power art and sound have to transform spaces and experiences, especially when they intersect with technology and engineering. This proposal still holds a special place in my heart, not only for what it aimed to achieve but also for what it represented: a world where art and sound create spaces of refuge and connection for everyone.
Do you believe art and sound can transform how we experience the world? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you had any memorable experiences with art installations or soundscapes? Let’s continue the conversation!
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