At sunrise on Coney Island, we gathered for Attuning to Nature, a workshop led by sound artist Zai Tang that invited us to reconnect with our surroundings and ourselves. Beginning with a breathing exercise, eyes closed and minds cleared, we prepared not for the rush of the day, but to attune to nature’s unhurried rhythms. Zai then handed out worksheets prompting us to explore sound through specific tasks, such as discerning noises both near and far. These seemingly simple instructions sharpened our senses, immersing us so deeply that even his calling bell faded beneath the soundscapes of birds and insects. A silent soundwalk drew us further into Coney Island’s layers: at each pause, we stood listening to rustling casuarina leaves, crash of waves, morning joggers, the various elements forming the unique characteristic of Coney Island, and each person connected in their own personal way. In the second half, childlike wonder emerged through frottage,  with coal pencils and paper in hand, we tiptoed and crouched, feeling surfaces, discovering overlooked textures, and sharing our finds in delight. The workshop closed with a discussion of our experiences before we tore and pieced our frottage papers into a collective artwork that, serendipitously, formed the outline of Coney Island itself. A gesture of connection to the land and its sounds, and to each other, as we spent a morning of connection on this island. 

Acknowledgements

Zai Tang is an artist, composer and sound designer based in Singapore. Drawing influence from acoustic ecology, philosophy and electronic & experimental music, his practice is built upon a belief that listening is an invaluable means of attuning to and forming deeper relationships with the worlds we inhabit.

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Curators: John Tung