This work bears witness to the environmental impact of lithium mining in the Andes, home to 65% of global reserves. It consists of a durational installation with three sculptures carved from local minerals, monitored in real-time and exposed to a water-dropping mechanism which translates the two million liters needed per ton of lithium carbonate. This work reflects in the exploitation of Andean fossil water immersing the audience in a multi-channel soundscape in the Lithium Triangle’s environment.
The installation critically addresses the profound environmental impact of large-scale lithium extraction in the lithium triangle, a territory comprised of Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, a region that contains 65% of the world’s lithium reserves. This immersive artwork monitors in real time the extraction of lithium through a soundscape and three sculptural pieces, meticulously carved in metals from local mines. Each sculpture is subjected to a saline water drip mechanism, symbolizing two million liters of water per ton of lithium carbonate extracted.
Transnational companies exploit fossil water from glaciers and wetlands in one of the driest regions on the planet. As the world moves towards energy transition and sustainability, there are regions of the world that will be impacted by these new market demands led by green capitalism. This artistic endeavor forms part of a long-term research project by the Sonandes team, exploring themes of neo-extractivism, sacrality, and deep listening.
Photo: Guely Morato Loredo
Photo: VÃctor Mazón Gardoqui
Bio
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Photo: Oliver RÃosSonandes
BO
Sonandes: Platform for Experimentation and Research, organizes the only biennial specialized in listening studies and sound art in Latin America. Sonandes leads arts-based research projects, residencies, laboratories, exhibitions and editorial processes with a focus on aurality and the role of the arts for social transformation and awareness.
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Photo: Victor MazónGuely Morato Loredo
BO
Since 2014 she founded and now directs Sonandes: Platform for Experimentation and Research, which organizes the only biennial specialized in sound art in Latin America. From Sonandes she leads projects, residencies, laboratories, exhibitions and research specialized in sound studies and listening. Her work focuses on processes of collective creation, sound and listening studies, gender, technology and politics.
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Photo: SonandesVÃctor Mazón Gardoqui
ES
Researcher, senior educator and professional specializing in open hardware and experimental circuit design, device studies and experimental sensory applications. His work reveals the invisible, tackles the inaccessible, and provokes vulnerability and awareness. Perception and altered states are central concepts in his actions. He specializes in: site-specific actions or performances, exhibitions from previous actions and collaborative projects to foster community dialogue.
Credits
The project has been produced as part of the CIFO x Ars Electronica Awards, a cooperation between Ars Electronica Festival and Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO).
