An immersive electroacoustic soundscape, responding to the surroundings in real time and to the air’s indoor changes via sensors, selected sounds and volume level variation

Visitors interacting with Volatile II adjusting to the different speakers height (detail)

Volatile II overview including the suspension rack from which the speakers are hung (detail)

Video capturing Volatile II soundscape and its visitors’ embodiment (extract)

Electroacoustic site responsive installation

Volatile II (2024) is the sonic version of the data collector and site responsive Volatile I installation.

As an immersive soundscape made of micro speaker cones suspended from the suspension rack and distributed along multiple channels, Volatile II responds in real time and embodies the air’s everyday indoor changes, as recorded by Volatile I.

The audience is invited to walk through this mesmerising electroacoustic habitat to intimately connect with each individual sound, which has been tailored to each atmospheric sensor in Volatile I.

The different heights of the speaker cones have been designed so that each participant can interact with the soundscape.

Artwork details

Artwork Volatile II (2024)
Material Mixed media, 64 micro conic speakers, 8 channels, 8 mp3 soundtracks, Max patch, laptop, Edirol audio interface and 4 amplifiers
Dimensions 420(L) x 270(W) x 275(H) cm
Duration sound 6 hours (10am – 4pm)
Exhibition Marta Ferracin: Convergences
Incinerator Art Space, Willoughby City Council, Willoughby, AU
21 March - 14 April
Artist talk 6 April
Workshop 13 April
Links Willoughby City Council
Art Collector
Willoughby Community Preschool

Credits

Experimental sound and soundtracks
Marta Ferracin; Freesound_download

Activation design
Chris Daniel 

Photos and video
Corey Rankin; Christopher Verheyden; courtesy of the visitors

Provision of Incinerator Art Space
Willoughby City Council

© Marta Ferracin 2025 Website by Natalia

Installation assistant Christopher Verheyden