Hybrid Ecology / Kept [amends]
THE WHISTLING TREE
A slow-motion animistic interpretation of the Casuarina glauca observed during a windy day in its river habitat. The sound field recording highlights the gentle lyrical murmur the wind whispering through the needles foliage of the casuarina tree named after its unique sound as the “whistling tree”.
A visitor looking at The Whistling Tree digital video (detail)
The Whistling Tree digital video front view (detail)
The Whistling Tree digital video edited including the visitor’ feedback (extract)
Digital video
The Whistling Tree (2026) is a slow-motion video, like an animistic interpretation, of the native Casuarina glauca (swamp sheoak) observed during a windy day in its river habitat.
The sound field recording highlights the gentle acoustic lyrical murmur of the wind whispering through the needle-segmented foliage of the casuarina tree named after its unique sound as the “whistling tree”.
The seeded and swinging branches become food source for the wildlife and
a resting solace moment for native insects such as the Blue Triangle butterfly included in the video.
Casuarina trees are very important for producing heavy timber (ironwood) and for the ecosystem repair by offering coastal protection, soil stabilisation and windbreaks.
The soft, needle-like photosynthetic branchlets and the trees are precious as they can tolerate salt, drought and sandy soils.
Artwork details
| Artwork | The Whistling Tree (2026) |
| Material | One channel digital video, USB driver, digital monitor |
| Dimensions | 72(L) x 46(W) x 1.0(H) cm |
| Duration | 4:00 mins (loop) |
| Exhibition |
Kept [amends] _ Marta Ferracin
Articulate project space, Leichhardt NSW, AU 6 - 28 June 2026 Artist talks 14 and 21 June |
| Links | Event information |
Credits
Sound
Marta Ferracin field recording; free sound — nico-tep
Photos and video
Corey Rankin; Marta Ferracin; Steven Starr; courtesy of the visitor
Provision of the backroom
Articulate project space
© Marta Ferracin 2025 Website by Natalia
Installation assistant Christopher Verheyden