'Escape Velocity V' by Zai Tang

What does it mean to listen to nature in a time of ecological crisis? Artist Zai Tang poses this question in Escape Velocity V, an immersive sound installation that evokes places in Singapore where wildlife is threatened by hyper-development. Building on his field recordings of birdsong and animal sounds, Tang has produced a soundscape of creaturely voices set to an accelerated tempo that mimics the harried pace of the city. Here, in the artificial night of the gallery, you are invited to adjust your senses to dwell in sound and darkness, and imagine how our relationship with nature can change.

Please note:

  • Escape Velocity V is a 16-minute presentation intended to be experienced in its entirety. 
  • The presentation begins every 20 minutes from 10am, with the last presentation at 6.40pm.  
  • Please be advised that there will loud sounds, moving lights, and prolonged darkness in an enclosed space.
  • Please refrain from using your mobile phone during the experience.

 

About the Artist

Zai Tang (b. 1984, United Kingdom) is an artist whose practice spans sound, drawing, animation, and performance. He creates immersive affecting experiences that explore notions of awareness and connectivity between human and nonhuman worlds. His process begins with field recordings from wildlife-rich habitats under threat, which are then abstracted and visualised using both analogue and digital techniques. His recent works have been presented at the Busan Biennale (2020), NTT InterCommunication Centre (2020), London International Animation Festival (2020), Singapore Biennale (2019), SGIFF (2019), Yinchuan Biennale (2018), Kuala Lumpur Experimental Film Festival (2018), National Gallery Singapore (2017-present) and Singapore International Festival of Arts – The O.P.E.N (2017).