WEEK 5

Conference Content and Reflection: Graeme Miller’s LINKED

In this meeting, we had the privilege of experiencing Graeme Miller’s sound art piece, LINKED. This work has been around for over twenty years and has recently been restored, showcasing its unique charm in interacting with public spaces.

Experience and Impressions

After gathering in the foyer of the Leytonstone Library, we received personal radio receivers, which allowed us to clearly pick up the sounds conveyed in the piece. As we explored around the library, I felt a profound connection between LINKED and the urban space. The work guided us through sound, creating a dialogue with our surroundings. It was not merely an auditory delight but an immersive experience that made me realize how sound can redefine space.

During the interview, we learned about the deep story behind LINKED. Artist Graeme Miller shared that the inspiration for this piece came from a painful oppressive event. He mentioned that he has an eight-year-old disabled son, and at that time, 400 families had their homes forcibly demolished. What was once a tight-knit community on that street has now disappeared or become invisible. The existence and lives of these people have become unseen, yet they continue to connect with the world through the medium of radio.

As we stood on the street, the sounds in the headphones seemed to convey the screams of the demolished buildings, yet once we removed the headphones, the surrounding area was eerily quiet. This contrast left me profoundly shaken. When a classmate asked Miller how many people knew about this work, he shook his head and said, “Not enough.” This made me realize that art is not only about expressing emotions; it is also about drawing attention to forgotten stories and histories.

Miller’s work employs diverse sound elements to create an atmosphere that challenges our traditional understanding of public spaces. Through the layering and overlapping of sounds, the noise and tranquility of the city converge, forming a new narrative. I particularly enjoyed experiencing LINKED in the specific setting of the library, a place for people to gain knowledge and exchange ideas, as the presentation of sound art here imbued this space with new meaning.

Reflection on Urban Space

LINKED prompted me to reflect on the multiple functions of urban spaces. Public spaces are not just physical entities; they also carry cultural, historical, and social dimensions. Miller’s sound art reminds us that spaces are not static backgrounds but dynamic networks interwoven with our daily lives. The flow of sound makes us more acutely aware of the subtle changes in our surroundings, inspiring a re-examination of our living environments.

I recorded some sound snippets from within the library that reflect the interactions of people and the echoes of the environment. These recordings will serve as further reflections and documentation of my visit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Graeme Miller’s LINKED is not only a sound art piece but also a profound exploration of urban space and public interaction. This experience heightened my awareness of the importance of sound in shaping our understanding of space. It inspires me to consider how to utilize sound in my future creations to enhance experiences and understanding of my surroundings.