Solid, Space, Sound
Why Solid Space Sound?
Emilie believes that visual impairment or blindness brings a fascinating and artistically rich perspective of life - however she says this perspective is one that is under-explored, under-valued and under-expressed.
Emilie's Solid, Space, Sound research aims to change this: instead of the typical ocularcentric approach to access, Emilie seeks to centre the work around visually impaired sensory perception and experience through collaboration in music, movement, words and art.
The Beginnings of Solid Space Sound
Emilie has a strong track record of multidisciplinary work that has been supported by national & international organisations. In Ireland she her work with the RHA, The Ark & The National Gallery, the Irish Architecture Foundation and more has seen her devise a number of innovative short term/ small scale multidisciplinary & participatory responses for visually impaired visitors. She has titled this process Solid, Space, Sound, as it draws from physical, spatial & audio based practice. Access provision has increased in a number of organisations over the last few years, however, Emilie notes that there is still work to be done around how to enhance participation in ways that are creatively & aesthetically consistent with the artistic/cultural experience - particularly for blind/visually Impaired communities for whom audio-description is the main access provision.
This work, Solid, Space, Sound is ambitious and very innovative in approach & will engage international bodies, professional artists, national arts organisations and disability communities in a research process that aims to not only dismantle barriers but articulate difference as a value and put the creative and aesthetic value of the VI sensory experience at the centre of access development.
Solid Space and Sound with Project Arts Centre
Emilie's Solid Space Sound process was developed as a way of enhancing access in the Arts, but it is, first & foremost, a creative practice for both her & participating communities. Emilie's work looks at mapping space through sensory perception, using touch & tactile language, audio (sound, music & creative audio description) & physicality, (movement and dance) as a way into programmed artwork & cultural spaces. This current longer term research and development phase of Solid Space Sound is in partnership with the Project Arts Centre and supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
What will this work do?
Develop and document the research practice ‘Solid, Space, Sound’ - participatory sensory experiences for VI communities
Engage disability community & artists in research, in association with NCBI & Project Arts Centre
Consult international bodies and disabled artists to ensure best practice & multidisciplinary aspects of sensory mapping
The Movement Workshops at Project Arts Centre
August 11 and 12, 10am - 12 noon
The first 2 movement workshops with Emilie and Laura Dowdall at the Project Arts Centre aim to address the Space and Solid aspect of this project. Through discussion and movement, participants will be facilitated and guided to explore the space and discover it informed by the richness and creativity of their individual and unique sensory perception.
Laura Dowdall is dancer and creator of Running Blind a dance project which involves research, principles & practices for inclusive movement practice developed over the last ten years while working with the Anne Sullivan Centre for the Deafblind and through the integrated workshops open to all community members, for the National Council for the Blind and Vision Sports Ireland and Fighting Blindness. Running Blind is a visceral dialogue of the senses, an immersion into a tactile, imagined and experienced presence.
If you are interested to attend please join mailing list.