Society. Spaces. Screens

Abstract

This artist feature presentation, Echoes of the Liesbeek, offers a sonic breakdown of the immersive audio work Lamentation at the Liesbeek. Hosted in the Enhanced Immersion Studio (EIS) at Arizona State University’s MIX Center, the session delves into the creative process and technological innovations behind this 12-minute piece. The EIS, a cutting-edge performance space equipped with a 3-layered, 55-speaker Meyer Sound Spacemap Go system, serves as the perfect venue for analyzing the spatial dynamics and intricate sound design elements of this immersive work. At the heart of the original installation Lamentation at the Liesbeek is a reflective poem, accompanied by a 5-screen projection mapping component. Layered with field recordings, Khoisan oral traditions, ritualistic chants, and abstract sonic textures, the work creates a spatialized soundscape that reimagines the Liesbeek River’s contested history while amplifying themes of displacement, resilience, and cultural reclamation. Its dynamic spatial mapping and innovative use of object-based audio systems push the boundaries of storytelling and sonic activism. This presentation will guide attendees through the creative and technical aspects of the work, including its conceptual development, field recording techniques, and spatial audio workflows. By breaking down the production process, this session invites participants to consider the power of sound to evoke emotion, amplify cultural narratives, and transform both physical and conceptual spaces. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of sound, technology, and storytelling.