The text below is a short exert from my discussion of the work in a book by Alessandra Calanchi, due to be published in 2026
The multiple narratives of The Moon delve into the nature of listening through its creation and subsequent exhibition. Not only does it uncover the multiple meanings that exist within the work, but it also enquires into the multiple ways of listening.
These narratives belong to the location itself both historically and contemporarily and to the time of recording. At the time and place of listening they belong to each of us, to our understanding as well as to the collective audio experience. Different relationships and connections occur as the sound expands our world. It places us directly in contact with the universe, where, in listening to that instant of tidal change, time is infinite. We connect with the moon itself, which, at that moment and in that location, was 385,450 kms. away from us whilst the sun was 152,072,967 kms. away.
The Moon was made in 2023 as part of an artist residency in Caen, France for the exhibition, Traversée[1]. It was made for the huge and empty space of deconsecrated church, Saint Nicolas. With very close listening, the visitor hears the moment of the changing of the tide from high to low which occurred at 07.48 in the morning within a slightly longer, looped[2]recording. It was made at Lion-sur-Mer, Lower Normandy, France in the Atlantic Ocean on July 13th, 2023.
[1] Traversée was a series of three residencies and exhibitions between Hatchery Artists, UK, France and Canada; and Le Labo des Arts, Caen. They took place in Broadway Gallery, Nottingham, UK and Le Labo des Arts and was supported by Le Labo des Arts; Near Now, Broadway; Artcore Gallery, Derby and City of Caen.
[2] Looping meant that the change was heard repeatedly, without a significant pause between loops.