River Diaries
River Diaries was created by ZAC-Zest Artist Collective, during their residency as part of CAFKA Biennale 2023, Kitchener/Cambridge area, Ontario, Canada.
CAFKA wandering residency offered a unique opportunity for ZAC artists to deeply connect with the land around the Grand and Speed Rivers and explore the potential for collaborative and experimental immaterial works. The open outcome of the residency enabled a more immersive and authentic engagement with the essence of the site.
Over the course of the twelve day residency, ZAC artists engaged in discussions and research while capturing a rich tapestry of sounds and local stories during their daily riverside walking practice. By pushing personal boundaries and embracing experimental strategies they discovered new pathways for collaborative practice, with sound spontaneously emerging as their chosen expressive medium.
River Diaries is an experimental ‘sound kaleidoscope’ that weaves together the multifaceted experiences and reflections of the collective during their residency inviting the listener to participate in their journey.
Special thanks to the Akwesasne Women Singers for permission to use their Water Song. Michael Ambedian and Rex Lingwood for their support and taking us out on the river. The Riverside Park workshop participants and all the CAFKA staff. Ernest Daetwyler for his hospitality and support. We are equally grateful for the unexpected encounters along the river banks, including the practicing guitarist and the turtle watcher.
Soundcloud link: https://soundcloud.com/zest-artist-collective-zac/river-diaries-cafka-biennial-2023
CAFKA wandering residency offered a unique opportunity for ZAC artists to deeply connect with the land around the Grand and Speed Rivers and explore the potential for collaborative and experimental immaterial works. The open outcome of the residency enabled a more immersive and authentic engagement with the essence of the site.
Over the course of the twelve day residency, ZAC artists engaged in discussions and research while capturing a rich tapestry of sounds and local stories during their daily riverside walking practice. By pushing personal boundaries and embracing experimental strategies they discovered new pathways for collaborative practice, with sound spontaneously emerging as their chosen expressive medium.
River Diaries is an experimental ‘sound kaleidoscope’ that weaves together the multifaceted experiences and reflections of the collective during their residency inviting the listener to participate in their journey.
Special thanks to the Akwesasne Women Singers for permission to use their Water Song. Michael Ambedian and Rex Lingwood for their support and taking us out on the river. The Riverside Park workshop participants and all the CAFKA staff. Ernest Daetwyler for his hospitality and support. We are equally grateful for the unexpected encounters along the river banks, including the practicing guitarist and the turtle watcher.
Soundcloud link: https://soundcloud.com/zest-artist-collective-zac/river-diaries-cafka-biennial-2023