Mediumistic: experiential sound and sculpture walk

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RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'Mediumistic' is a collaboration between Lacey and visual artist Kasia Lynch. The project invited mediums to "read" the atmospheres of the Abbotsford Convent. Readings were recorded and then redesigned in the studio. Sound designs were embedded in the site adjacent to site-specific sculptures. Sound works could be accessed via QR codes on smart phones. This work is located in the idiosyncratic tradition of artistic works that engaged with spirits and mediums as a way of forming "alternative" narratives. The approach is seen as an alternative pathway to understanding histories and brings to question the role of subjectivity in the judgment of art. Due to its popularity, the event was extended by a further two months. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: This project demonstrates Lacey's ongoing artistic and conceptual investigations into the interface of sonic arts and urban design, and the creation of experiential works in response to 'atmosphere.' Its contribution to knowledge is two-fold. It demonstrates how alternative histories can be captured in real-time and then accessed via smart phone technology. Secondly it suggests ways to evoke atmospheres with the use of mixed-media to give the public new senses of the buildings they inhabit. The work has an architectural angle insofar as it seeks new ways to engage with the atmospheres of buildings. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: This project received external review in the form of Spiritous' selection process, and awarded funding for development for one year. Spiritous is one of Abbotsford Convent Foundation's flagship arts commissioning initiatives, designed to 'activate the site's conventional and unconventional spaces for exchange between creative practitioners and audiences.' Due to the popularity of Mediumistic, the event was extended by a further two months. The sound works are available on the Convent website, along with an 'introspective' review of 'Mediumistic' experience.